Distinctiveness of secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA and V suggesting unique roles in atherosclerosis

Digestion of lipid micelles leads to increased membrane permeability

Lipid-based drug carriers are an attractive option to solubilise poorly water soluble therapeutics. Previously, we reported that the digestion of a short tail PC lipid (2C6PC) by the PLA2 enzyme has a significant effect on the structure and stability of the micelles it forms. Here, we studied the interactions of micelles of varying composition representing various degrees of digestion with a model ordered (70 mol% DPPC & 30 mol% cholesterol) and disordered (100% DOPC) lipid membrane. Micelles of all compositions disassociated when interacting with the two different membranes. As the percentage of digestion products (C6FA and C6LYSO) in the micelle increased, the disassociation occurred more rapidly. The C6FA inserts preferentially into both membranes. We find that all micelle components increase the area per lipid, increase the disorder and decrease the thickness of the membranes, and the 2C6PC lipid molecules have the most significant impact. Additionally, there is an increase in permeation of water into the membrane that accompanies the insertion of C6FA into the DOPC membranes. We show that the natural digestion of lipid micelles result in molecular species that can enhance the permeability of lipid membranes that in turn result in an enhanced delivery of drugs.

Role of human group IIA secreted phospholipase A2 in malaria pathophysiology: Insights from a transgenic mouse model

We previously showed that injection of recombinant human group IIA secreted phospholipase A₂ (hGIIA sPLA₂) to Plasmodium chabaudi-infected mice lowers parasitaemia by 20%. Here, we show that transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing hGIIA sPLA₂ have a peak of parasitaemia about 30% lower than WT littermates. During infection, levels of circulating sPLA₂, enzymatic activity and plasma lipid peroxidation were maximal at day-14, the peak of parasitaemia. Levels of hGIIA mRNA increased in liver but not in spleen and blood cells, suggesting that liver may contribute as a source of circulating hGIIA sPLA₂. Before infection, baseline levels of leukocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines were higher in TG mice than WT littermates. Upon infection, the number of neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes increased and were maximal at the peak of parasitaemia in both WT and TG mice, but were higher in TG mice. Similarly, levels of the Th1 cytokines IFN-γ and IL-2 increased in WT and TG mice, but were 7.7- and 1.7-fold higher in TG mice. The characteristic shift towards Th2 cytokines was observed during infection in both WT and TG mice, with increased levels of IL-10 and IL-4 at day-14. The current data are in accordance with our previous in vitro findings showing that hGIIA kills parasites by releasing toxic lipids from oxidized lipoproteins. They further show that hGIIA sPLA₂ is induced during mouse experimental malaria and has a protective in vivo role, lowering parasitaemia by likely releasing toxic lipids from oxidized lipoproteins but also indirectly by promoting a more sustained innate immune response.

Future perspective: high-throughput construction of new ultrasensitive cytokine and virion liquid chips for high-throughput screening (HTS) of anti-inflammatory drugs or clinical diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases

Pathogen-host cell interactions play an important role in many human infectious and inflammatory diseases. Several pathogens, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), and even the recent 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), can cause serious breathing and brain disorders, tissue injury and inflammation, leading to high rates of mortality and resulting in great loss to human physical and mental health as well as the global economy. These infectious diseases exploit the microbial and host factors to induce serious inflammatory and immunological symptoms. Thus the development of anti-inflammatory drugs targeting bacterial/viral infection is an urgent need. In previous studies, YojI-IFNAR2, YojI-IL10RA, YojI-NRP1,YojI-SIGLEC7, and YojI-MC4R membrane-protein interactions were found to mediate E. coli invasion of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which activated the downstream anti-inflammatory proteins NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 2(NLRP2), using a proteomic chip conjugated with cell immunofluorescence labeling. However, the studies of pathogen (bacteria/virus)-host cell interactions mediated by membrane protein interactions did not extend their principles to broad biomedical applications such as 2019-nCoV infectious disease therapy. The first part of this feature article presents in-depth analysis of the cross-talk of cellular anti-inflammatory transduction signaling among interferon membrane protein receptor II (IFNAR2), interleukin-10 receptor subunit alpha (IL-10RA), NLRP2 and [Ca²⁺]-dependent phospholipase A2 (PLA2G5), based on experimental results and important published studies, which lays a theoretical foundation for the high-throughput construction of the cytokine and virion solution chip. The paper then moves on to the construction of the novel GPCR recombinant herpes virion chip and virion nano-oscillators for profiling membrane protein functions, which drove the idea of constructing the new recombinant virion and cytokine liquid chips for HTS of leading drugs. Due to the different structural properties of GPCR, IFNAR2, ACE2 and Spike of 2019-nCoV, their ligands will either bind the extracellular domain of IFNAR2/ACE2/Spike or the specific loops of the GPCR on the envelope of the recombinant herpes virions to induce dynamic charge distribution changes that lead to the variable electron transition for detection. Taken together, the combined overview of two of the most innovative and exciting developments in the immunoinflammatory field provides new insight into high-throughput construction of ultrasensitive cytokine and virion liquid chips for HTS of anti-inflammatory drugs or clinical diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases including infectious diseases, acute or chronic inflammation (acute gouty arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis), cardiovascular disease, atheromatosis, diabetes, obesity, tissue injury and tumors. It has significant value in the prevention and treatment of these serious and painful diseases. Graphical abstract.

pH- and enzyme-triggered drug release as an important process in the design of anti-tumor drug delivery systems

It is necessary to design a reasonable drug delivery system(DDS) for targeted release to overcome the potential toxicity and poor selectivity of anti-tumor drug. How a drug is released from a DDS is a critical issue that determines whether the DDS is designed successfully. We all know that the microenvironment of tumors is quite different from normal tissues, such as its acidic environment, different expression levels of some enzymes, etc. These features are widely used in the design of DDSs and play an important role in the drug release process in vivo. Numerous DDSs have been designed and synthesized. This article attention to how drugs are released from DDSs. We summarizes and classify the characteristic enzymes and chemical bonds used in the drug release process by browsing a large number of papers, and describes how they are applied in DDSs with specific examples. By understanding these acid-sensitive chemical bonds and over-expressed enzymes in tumors, different DDSs can be designed for different drug structures to solve specific problems of anti-tumor drugs.

The heparan sulfate proteoglycan grip on hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are found at the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix, where they interact with a plethora of proteins involved in lipid homeostasis and inflammation. Over the last decade, new insights have emerged regarding the mechanism and biological significance of these interactions in the context of cardiovascular disease. The majority of cardiovascular disease-related deaths are caused by complications of atherosclerosis, a disease that results in narrowing of the arterial lumen, thereby reducing blood flow to critical levels in vital organs, such as the heart and brain. Here, we discuss novel insights into how heparan sulfate proteoglycans modulate risk factors such as hyperlipidemia and inflammation that drive the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques to their clinical critical endpoint.

A snake venom group IIA PLA2 with immunomodulatory activity induces formation of lipid droplets containing 15-d-PGJ2 in macrophages

Crotoxin B (CB) is a catalytically active group IIA sPLA₂ from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom. In contrast to most GIIA sPLA₂s, CB exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, including the ability to inhibit leukocyte functions. Lipid droplets (LDs) are lipid-rich organelles associated with inflammation and recognized as a site for the synthesis of inflammatory lipid mediators. Here, the ability of CB to induce formation of LDs and the mechanisms involved in this effect were investigated in isolated macrophages. The profile of CB-induced 15-d-PGJ₂ (15-Deoxy-Delta-12,14-prostaglandin J₂) production and involvement of LDs in 15-d-PGJ₂ biosynthesis were also investigated. Stimulation of murine macrophages with CB induced increased number of LDs and release of 15-d-PGJ₂. LDs induced by CB were associated to PLIN2 recruitment and expression and required activation of PKC, PI3K, MEK1/2, JNK, iPLA₂ and PLD. Both 15-d-PGJ₂ and COX-1 were found in CB-induced LDs indicating that LDs contribute to the inhibitory effects of CB by acting as platform for synthesis of 15-d-PGJ₂, a pro-resolving lipid mediator. Together, our data indicate that an immunomodulatory GIIA sPLA₂ can directly induce LD formation and production of a pro-resolving mediator in an inflammatory cell and afford new insights into the roles of LDs in resolution of inflammatory processes.

Enzyme-Responsive Liposomes for the Delivery of Anticancer Drugs

Liposomes are nanocarriers that deliver the payloads at the target site, leading to therapeutic drug concentrations at the diseased site and reduced toxic effects in healthy tissues. Several approaches have been used to enhance the ability of the nanocarrier to target the specific tissues, including ligand-targeted liposomes and stimuli-responsive liposomes. Ligand-targeted liposomes exhibit higher uptake by the target tissue due to the targeting ligand attached to the surface, while the stimuli-responsive liposomes do not release their cargo unless they expose to an endogenous or exogenous stimulant at the target site. In this review, we mainly focus on the liposomes that are responsive to pathologically increased levels of enzymes at the target site. Enzyme-responsive liposomes release their cargo upon contact with the enzyme through several destabilization mechanisms: (1) structural perturbation in the lipid bilayer, (2) removal of a shielding polymer from the surface and increased cellular uptake, (3) cleavage of a lipopeptide or lipopolymer incorporated in the bilayer, and (4) activation of a prodrug in the liposomes.

Alterations of specific lipid groups in serum of obese humans: a review

Obesity is a major contributor to the dysfunction of liver, cardiac, pulmonary, endocrine and reproductive system, as well as a component of metabolic syndrome. Although development of obesity-related disorders is associated with lipid abnormalities, most previous studies dealing with the problem in question were limited to routinely determined parameters, such as serum concentrations of triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Many authors postulated to extend the scope of analysed lipid compounds and to study obesity-related alterations in other, previously non-examined groups of lipids. Comprehensive quantitative, structural and functional analysis of specific lipid groups may result in identification of new obesity-related alterations. The review summarizes available evidence of obesity-related alterations in various groups of lipids and their impact on health status of obese subjects. Further, the role of diet and endogenous lipid synthesis in the development of serum lipid alterations is discussed, along with potential application of various lipid compounds as risk markers for obesity-related comorbidities.

AMPK Signaling Involvement for the Repression of the IL-1β-Induced Group IIA Secretory Phospholipase A2 Expression in VSMCs

Secretory Phospholipase A2 of type IIA (sPLA2 IIA) plays a crucial role in the production of lipid mediators by amplifying the neointimal inflammatory context of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), especially during atherogenesis. Phenformin, a biguanide family member, by its anti-inflammatory properties presents potential for promoting beneficial effects upon vascular cells, however its impact upon the IL-1β-induced sPLA2 gene expression has not been deeply investigated so far. The present study was designed to determine the relationship between phenformin coupling AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) function and the molecular mechanism by which the sPLA2 IIA expression was modulated in VSMCs. Here we find that 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleotide (AICAR) treatment strongly repressed IL-1β-induced sPLA2 expression at least at the transcriptional level. Our study reveals that phenformin elicited a dose-dependent inhibition of the sPLA2 IIA expression and transient overexpression experiments of constitutively active AMPK demonstrate clearly that AMPK signaling is involved in the transcriptional inhibition of sPLA2-IIA gene expression. Furthermore, although the expression of the transcriptional repressor B-cell lymphoma-6 protein (BCL-6) was markedly enhanced by phenformin and AICAR, the repression of sPLA2 gene occurs through a mechanism independent of BCL-6 DNA binding site. In addition we show that activation of AMPK limits IL-1β-induced NF-κB pathway activation. Our results indicate that BCL-6, once activated by AMPK, functions as a competitor of the IL-1β induced NF-κB transcription complex. Our findings provide insights on a new anti-inflammatory pathway linking phenformin, AMPK and molecular control of sPLA2 IIA gene expression in VSMCs.

In vitro anti-Plasmodium falciparum properties of the full set of human secreted phospholipases A2

We have previously shown that secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) from animal venoms inhibit the in vitro development of Plasmodium falciparum, the agent of malaria. In addition, the inflammatory-type human group IIA (hGIIA) sPLA2 circulates at high levels in the serum of malaria patients. However, the role of the different human sPLA2s in host defense against P. falciparum has not been investigated. We show here that 4 out of 10 human sPLA2s, namely, hGX, hGIIF, hGIII, and hGV, exhibit potent in vitro anti-Plasmodium properties with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of 2.9 ± 2.4, 10.7 ± 2.1, 16.5 ± 9.7, and 94.2 ± 41.9 nM, respectively. Other human sPLA2s, including hGIIA, are inactive. The inhibition is dependent on sPLA2 catalytic activity and primarily due to hydrolysis of plasma lipoproteins from the parasite culture. Accordingly, purified lipoproteins that have been prehydrolyzed by hGX, hGIIF, hGIII, and hGV are more toxic to P. falciparum than native lipoproteins. However, the total enzymatic activities of human sPLA2s on purified lipoproteins or plasma did not reflect their inhibitory activities on P. falciparum. For instance, hGIIF is 9-fold more toxic than hGV but releases a lower quantity of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs). Lipidomic analyses of released NEFAs from lipoproteins demonstrate that sPLA2s with anti-Plasmodium properties are those that release polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with hGIIF being the most selective enzyme. NEFAs purified from lipoproteins hydrolyzed by hGIIF were more potent at inhibiting P. falciparum than those from hGV, and PUFA-enriched liposomes hydrolyzed by sPLA2s were highly toxic, demonstrating the critical role of PUFAs. The selectivity of sPLA2s toward low- and high-density (LDL and HDL, respectively) lipoproteins and their ability to directly attack parasitized erythrocytes further explain their anti-Plasmodium activity. Together, our findings indicate that 4 human sPLA2s are active against P. falciparum in vitro and pave the way to future investigations on their in vivo contribution in malaria pathophysiology.

Lipidomic analyses of female mice lacking hepatic lipase and endothelial lipase indicate selective modulation of plasma lipid species

Hepatic lipase (HL) and endothelial lipase (EL) share overlapping and complementary roles in lipoprotein metabolism. The deletion of HL and EL alleles in mice raises plasma total cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations. However, the influence of HL and EL in vivo on individual molecular species from each class of lipid is not known. We hypothesized that the loss of HL, EL, or both in vivo may affect select molecular species from each class of lipids. To test this hypothesis, we performed lipidomic analyses on plasma and livers from fasted female wild-type, HL-knockout, EL-knockout, and HL/EL-double knockout mice. Overall, the loss of HL, EL, or both resulted in minimal changes to hepatic lipids; however, select species of CE were surprisingly reduced in the livers of mice only lacking EL. The loss of HL, EL, or both reduced the plasma concentrations for select molecular species of triacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, and free fatty acid. On the other hand, the loss of HL, EL, or both raised the plasma concentrations for select molecular species of phosphatidylcholine, cholesteryl ester, diacylglycerol, sphingomyelin, ceramide, plasmanylcholine, and plasmenylcholine. The increased plasma concentration of select ether phospholipids was evident in the absence of EL, thus suggesting that EL might exhibit a phospholipase A2 activity. Using recombinant EL, we showed that it could hydrolyse the artificial phospholipase A2 substrate 4-nitro-3-(octanoyloxy)benzoic acid. In summary, our study shows for the first time the influence of HL and EL on individual molecular species of several classes of lipids in vivo using lipidomic methods.

Proteolysis of apolipoprotein A-I by secretory phospholipase A₂: a new link between inflammation and atherosclerosis

In the acute phase of the inflammatory response, secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) reaches its maximum levels in plasma, where it is mostly associated with high density lipoproteins (HDL). Overexpression of human sPLA2 in transgenic mice reduces both HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) plasma levels through increased HDL catabolism by an unknown mechanism. To identify unknown PLA2-mediated activities on the molecular components of HDL, we characterized the protein and lipid products of the PLA2 reaction with HDL. Consistent with previous studies, hydrolysis of HDL phospholipids by PLA2 reduced the particle size without changing its protein composition. However, when HDL was destabilized in the presence of PLA2 by the action of cholesteryl ester transfer protein or by guanidine hydrochloride treatment, a fraction of apoA-I, but no other proteins, dissociated from the particle and was rapidly cleaved. Incubation of PLA2 with lipid-free apoA-I produced similar protein fragments in the range of 6-15 kDa, suggesting specific and direct reaction of PLA2 with apoA-I. Mass spectrometry analysis of isolated proteolytic fragments indicated at least two major cleavage sites at the C-terminal and the central domain of apoA-I. ApoA-I proteolysis by PLA2 was Ca(2+)-independent, implicating a different mechanism from the Ca(2+)-dependent PLA2-mediated phospholipid hydrolysis. Inhibition of proteolysis by benzamidine suggests that the proteolytic and lipolytic activities of PLA2 proceed through different mechanisms. Our study identifies a previously unknown proteolytic activity of PLA2 that is specific to apoA-I and may contribute to the enhanced catabolism of apoA-I in inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Evidence for distinct mechanisms of uptake and antitumor activity of secretory phospholipase A2 responsive liposome in prostate cancer

Secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) cleave phospholipids at sn-2 ester bonds, releasing lysophospholipids and fatty acids, and are over expressed in several pathologies, including inflammation, arthritis, sepsis and breast and prostate cancers. Herein we evaluated the therapeutic activity of liposomes engineered to be responsive to different sPLA(2) isoforms compared to clinically used long-circulating (pegylated) sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) in vitro and in vivo, and assessed differences in roles of sPLA(2) in the mechanism of uptake and delivery of these nanoparticles. Exposing sPLA(2) responsive liposomes (SPRL) to sPLA(2) increased the release of intraluminal entrapped contents in a time-dependent manner that was inhibited by the sPLA(2) inhibitor LY3117273. Treatment of prostate cancer cells with doxorubicin encapsulated in SSL and SPRL resulted in cytotoxicity in LNCaP, DU-145 and PC-3 cells lines comparable to free drug. Interestingly, cytotoxicity was not altered by sPLA(2) inhibition. Tracking of drug and liposome delivery using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, we demonstrated that drug uptake was liposome-dependent, as encapsulation of doxorubicin in SPRL resulted in 1.5 to 2-fold greater intracellular drug levels compared to SSL. Liposome uptake was cell-dependent and did not correlate to doxorubicin uptake; however, doxorubicin uptake was generally greatest in PC-3 cells, followed by DU-145 cells and then LNCaP cells. In almost all cases, uptake of one of our formulations, SPRL-E, was greater than SSL. The therapeutic activity of SPRL in vivo was demonstrated using a mouse xenograft model of human prostate cancer, which showed that doxorubicin entrapped within SPRL decreased tumor growth compared to SSL, suggesting that SPRL are more effective at slowing tumor growth than a SSL formulation similar to the FDA approved DOXIL™. Collectively, these data show the therapeutic activity of SPRL compared to SSL, yield insights into the mechanisms of action of these nanoparticles and suggest that SPRL could be useful for treatment of other pathologies that over express sPLA(2).

Potent and selective 2-oxoamide inhibitors of phospholipases A2 as novel medicinal agents for the treatment of inflammatory diseases

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) are enzymes that are capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of the sn-2 ester bond of glycerophospholipids, releasing free fatty acids, including arachidonic acid (AA), and lysophospholipids. Both products are precursor signaling molecules involved in inflammation. Among the various PLA2s, cytosolic GIVA cPLA2 is considered a major target for inflammatory diseases, while secreted GIIA sPLA2 is involved in cardiovascular diseases. We have developed lipophilic 2-oxoamides based on (S)-γ- or δ-amino acids as potent and selective inhibitors of GIVA cPLA2, which present interesting in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. 2-Oxoamides based on natural α-amino acids are selective inhibitors of GIIA sPLA2. The mode of binding of 2-oxoamides with either GIVA cPLA2 or GIIA sPLA2 has been studied by various techniques.

Biallelic mutations in PLA2G5, encoding group V phospholipase A2, cause benign fleck retina

Flecked-retina syndromes, including fundus flavimaculatus, fundus albipunctatus, and benign fleck retina, comprise a group of disorders with widespread or limited distribution of yellow-white retinal lesions of various sizes and configurations. Three siblings who have benign fleck retina and were born to consanguineous parents are the basis of this report. A combination of homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing helped to identify a homozygous missense mutation, c.133G>T (p.Gly45Cys), in PLA2G5, a gene encoding a secreted phospholipase (group V phospholipase A(2)). A screen of a further four unrelated individuals with benign fleck retina detected biallelic variants in the same gene in three patients. In contrast, no loss of function or common (minor-allele frequency>0.05%) nonsynonymous PLA2G5 variants have been previously reported (EVS, dbSNP, 1000 Genomes Project) or were detected in an internal database of 224 exomes (from subjects with adult onset neurodegenerative disease and without a diagnosis of ophthalmic disease). All seven affected individuals had fundoscopic features compatible with those previously described in benign fleck retina and no visual or electrophysiological deficits. No medical history of major illness was reported. Levels of low-density lipoprotein were mildly elevated in two patients. Optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence findings suggest that group V phospholipase A(2) plays a role in the phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer-segment discs by the retinal pigment epithelium. Surprisingly, immunohistochemical staining of human retinal tissue revealed localization of the protein predominantly in the inner and outer plexiform layers.

Phospholipase A2 mediates apolipoprotein-independent uptake of chylomicron remnant-like particles by human macrophages

Apolipoprotein E-receptor-mediated pathways are the main routes by which macrophages take up chylomicron remnants, but uptake may also be mediated by receptor-independent routes. To investigate these mechanisms, triacylglycerol (TG) accumulation induced by apolipoprotein-free chylomicron remnant-like particles (CRLPw/o) in human monocyte-derived macrophages was evaluated. Macrophage TG content increased about 5-fold after incubation with CRLPw/o, and this effect was not reduced by the inhibition of phagocytosis, macropinocytosis, apolipoprotein E function, or proteoglycan bridging. The role of lipases, including lipoprotein lipase, cholesteryl ester hydrolase, and secretory (sPLA2) and cytosolic phospholipase A2, was studied using [³H]TG-labelled CRLPw/o. Total cell radioactivity after incubation with [³H]TG CRLPw/o was reduced by 15–30% by inhibitors of lipoprotein lipase and cholesteryl ester hydrolase and by about 45% by inhibitors of sPLA2 and cytosolic PLA₂ . These results suggest that macrophage lipolytic enzymes mediate the internalization of postprandial TG-rich lipoproteins and that sPLA₂ and cytosolic PLA2, play a more important role than extracellular lipoprotein lipase-mediated TG hydrolysis.

Serum secreted phospholipase A2 is associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm presence but not progression

OBJECTIVE

Secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) has been implicated in rodent models of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The aim of this study was to assess whether serum sPLA(2) activity was associated with AAA presence and progression.

METHODS

Serum sPLA(2) activity was measured using a fluorometric assay in 1002 men of whom 310 had an AAA. 272 of the men had repeat ultrasound surveillance of their AAA for a median of 5.5 years. The association of sPLA(2) activity with AAA was assessed using multiple regression analysis to adjust for other risk factors.

RESULTS

Median serum sPLA(2) activity was 21.67 in men with AAA and 18.32 U/ml in men without AAA, p<0.001. Men with sPLA(2) activity ≥ median (19.20 U/ml) had a 1.40-fold (95% CI 1.04-1.87, p=0.027) increased prevalence of AAA independent of other risk factors. Serum sPLA(2) activity was not associated with AAA growth.

CONCLUSION

Serum sPLA(2) activity is elevated in men with small AAAs but is not associated with AAA progression.

Varespladib (A-002), a secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor, reduces atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation in ApoE-/- mice

The family of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) enzymes has been associated with inflammatory diseases and tissue injury including atherosclerosis. A-001 is a novel inhibitor of sPLA2 enzymes discovered by structure-based drug design, and A-002 is the orally bioavailable prodrug currently in clinical development. A-001 inhibited human and mouse sPLA2 group IIA, V, and X enzymes with IC50 values in the low nM range. A-002 (1 mg/kg) led to high serum levels of A-001 and inhibited PLA2 activity in transgenic mice overexpressing human sPLA2 group IIA in C57BL/6J background. In addition, the effects of A-002 on atherosclerosis in 2 ApoE mouse models were evaluated using en face analysis. (1) In a high-fat diet model, A-002 (30 and 90 mg/kg twice a day for 16 weeks) reduced aortic atherosclerosis by 50% (P < 0.05). Plasma total cholesterol was decreased (P < 0.05) by 1 month and remained lowered throughout the study. (2) In an accelerated atherosclerosis model, with angiotensin II-induced aortic lesions and aneurysms, A-002 (30 mg/kg twice a day) reduced aortic atherosclerosis by approximately 40% (P < 0.05) and attenuated aneurysm formation (P = 0.0096). Thus, A-002 was effective at significantly decreasing total cholesterol, atherogenesis, and aneurysm formation in these 2 ApoE mouse models.

Phospholipolyzed LDL induces an inflammatory response in endothelial cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling

Secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) are present in atherosclerotic plaques and are now considered novel attractive therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers as they contribute to the development of atherosclerosis through lipoprotein-dependent and independent mechanisms. We have previously shown that hGX-sPLA2-phospholipolyzed LDL (LDL-X) induces proinflammatory responses in human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs); here we explore the molecular mechanisms involved. Global transcriptional gene expression profiling of the response of endothelial cells exposed to either LDL or LDL-X revealed that LDL-X activates multiple distinct cellular pathways including the unfolded protein response (UPR). Mechanistic insight showed that LDL-X activates UPR through calcium depletion of intracellular stores, which in turn disturbs cytoskeleton organization. Treatment of HUVECs and aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with LDL-X led to activation of all 3 proximal initiators of UPR: eIF-2alpha, IRE1alpha, and ATF6. In parallel, we observed a sustained phosphorylation of the p38 pathway resulting in the phosphorylation of AP-1 downstream targets. This was accompanied by significant production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. Our study demonstrates that phospholipolyzed LDL uses a range of molecular pathways including UPR to initiate endothelial cell perturbation and thus provides an LDL oxidation-independent mechanism for the initiation of vascular inflammation in atherosclerosis.

Lyso-phosphatidylcholine induces osteogenic gene expression and phenotype in vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

Calcifying vascular cells in human atherosclerotic plaques actively contribute to ectopic vascular mineralization. Lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC), a product of oxidized phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis, is found at concentrations of 1-12 microg/g tissue throughout the atheroma. The objective of this study was to determine if LPC induces an osteogenic phenotype in vascular smooth muscle cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Proliferating human aortic smooth muscle cells were treated with a wide-range of LPC concentrations (0.1 nM to 100 microM) over 14 days. Von Kossa, Alizarin Red S, and alkaline phosphatase staining were used to identify mineralizations. RT-PCR, ELISA, alkaline phosphatase activity, and 45Ca incorporation assays were used to evaluate the osteo-inductive effect of LPC on smooth muscle phenotype. Histology and morphometry revealed that cells treated with as little as 10 nM LPC produced calcium phosphate deposits in culture. LPC-treated vascular smooth muscle cells showed a significant increase in 45Ca incorporation and alkaline phosphatase activity. Furthermore, LPC treatment induced a significant loss of Schnurri 3 protein, a key repressor of Runt-related transcription factor 2 stability. Genomic studies revealed that osteogenic gene expression was significantly up-regulated in LPC-treated cells, which is attributed to increased Runt-related transcription factor 2 expression and transcriptional activity.

CONCLUSION

LPC induces osteogenic morphology, physiology, gene expression, and phenotype in vascular smooth muscle cells. The present study suggests that localized concentrations of LPC in human atherosclerotic plaques may be a contributing factor to the generation of calcifying vascular cells.

Emerging roles of secreted phospholipase A2 enzymes: Lessons from transgenic and knockout mice

Among the emerging phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) superfamily, the secreted PLA(2) (sPLA(2)) family consists of low-molecular-mass, Ca(2+)-requiring extracellular enzymes with a His-Asp catalytic dyad. To date, more than 10 sPLA(2) enzymes have been identified in mammals. Individual sPLA(2)s exhibit unique tissue and cellular localizations and enzymatic properties, suggesting their distinct pathophysiological roles. Despite numerous enzymatic and cell biological studies on this enzyme family in the past two decades, their precise in vivo functions still remain largely obscure. Recent studies using transgenic and knockout mice for several sPLA(2) enzymes, in combination with lipidomics approaches, have opened new insights into their distinct contributions to various biological events such as food digestion, host defense, inflammation, asthma and atherosclerosis. In this article, we overview the latest understanding of the pathophysiological functions of individual sPLA(2) isoforms fueled by studies employing transgenic and knockout mice for several sPLA(2)s.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2), inflammatory biomarkers, and risk of cardiovascular disease in the Prospective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER)

OBJECTIVE

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is an inflammatory biomarker that circulates mainly bound to LDL. We evaluated the association of Lp-PLA(2) with vascular events in the elderly where the importance of LDL is diminished as a risk factor for coronary disease.

METHODS

Mass and activity of Lp-PLA(2) were related to risk over 3.2 years for vascular events (definite or suspected death from CHD, non-fatal MI, fatal or non-fatal stroke) in the 2804 men and 3000 women age 70-82 years in the Prospective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly (PROSPER).

RESULTS

Lp-PLA(2) showed a moderate, positive association with risk of a vascular event with hazard ratios of 1.25 (confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.54) for mass and 1.39 (CI 1.14-1.70) for activity for top versus bottom quartile. Risk associations were attenuated when classical risk factors, lipids and inflammatory markers - C-reactive protein and white cell count - were included in the models. Lp-PLA(2) was unrelated to stroke risk. Inclusion of all three inflammatory markers in multivariate models negated the association of HDL cholesterol with risk (hazard ratio 0.98; CI 0.88-1.10) and increased prediction of coronary events; the C statistic rose from 63.2% to 64.4% (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In elderly people Lp-PLA(2), alongside other inflammatory indices, is a potential biomarker for vascular events, particularly CHD.

Generation in human plasma of misfolded, aggregation-prone electronegative low density lipoprotein

Human plasma contains small amounts of a low density lipoprotein in which apoprotein is misfolded. Originally identified and isolated by means of anion-exchange chromatography, this component was subsequently described as electronegative low density lipoprotein (LDL)(-), with increased concentrations associated with elevated cardiovascular disease risk. It has been recognized recently as the trigger of LDL amyloidogenesis, which produces aggregates similar to subendothelial droplets observed in vivo in early atherogenesis. Although LDL(-) has been produced in vitro through various manipulations, the mechanisms involved in its generation in vivo remain obscure. By using a more physiological model, we demonstrate spontaneous, sustained and noticeable production of LDL(-) during incubation of unprocessed human plasma at 37 degrees C. In addition to a higher fraction of amyloidogenic LDL(-), LDL purified from incubated plasma contains an increased level of lysophospholipids and free fatty acids; analysis of LDL lipids packing shows their loosening. As a result, during plasma incubation, lipid destabilization and protein misfolding take place, and aggregation-prone particles are generated. All these phenomena can be prevented by inhibiting calcium-dependent secretory phospholipases A2. Our plasma incubation model, without removal of reaction products, effectively shows a lipid-protein interplay in LDL, where lipid destabilization after lipolysis threatens the apoprotein's structure, which misfolds and becomes aggregation-prone.

Metabolism and atherogenic disease association of lysophosphatidylcholine

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is a major plasma lipid that has been recognized as an important cell signalling molecule produced under physiological conditions by the action of phospholipase A(2) on phosphatidylcholine. LPC transports glycerophospholipid components such as fatty acids, phosphatidylglycerol and choline between tissues. LPC is a ligand for specific G protein-coupled signalling receptors and activates several second messengers. LPC is also a major phospholipid component of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL) and is implicated as a critical factor in the atherogenic activity of Ox-LDL. Hence, LPC plays an important role in atherosclerosis and acute and chronic inflammation. In this review we focus in some detail on LPC function, biochemical pathways, sources and signal-transduction system. Moreover, we outline the detection of LPC by mass spectrometry which is currently the best method for accurate and simultaneous analysis of each individual LPC species and reveal the pathophysiological implication of LPC which makes it an interesting target for biomarker and drug development regarding atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders.

Molecular and functional characterization of polymorphisms in the secreted phospholipase A2 group X gene: relevance to coronary artery disease

Among secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s), human group X sPLA2 (hGX sPLA2) is emerging as a novel attractive therapeutic target due to its implication in inflammatory diseases. To elucidate whether hGX sPLA2 plays a causative role in coronary artery disease (CAD), we screened the human PLA2G10 gene to identify polymorphisms and possible associations with CAD end-points in a prospective study, AtheroGene. We identified eight polymorphisms, among which, one non-synonymous polymorphism R38C in the propeptide region of the sPLA2. The T-512C polymorphism located in the 5' untranslated region was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent cardiovascular events during follow-up. The functional analysis of the R38C polymorphism showed that it leads to a profound change in expression and activity of hGX sPLA2, although there was no detectable impact on CAD risk. Due to the potential role of hGX sPLA2 in inflammatory processes, these polymorphisms should be investigated in other inflammatory diseases.

Current and emerging paradigms in the therapeutic management of atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis lies in abnormalities in lipoprotein metabolism leading to pathological interactions with vessel walls and the release of inflammatory components, which further aggravate the disease condition.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate current and emerging trends in drug discovery towards the development of new entities regulating lipoprotein metabolism and inflammatory components to combat the progression of atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Research/review articles in the public domain and press releases were employed.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

With the recent failure of torcetrapib and succinobucol, drug discovery and development efforts towards the treatment of atherosclerosis have received a big jolt and have been slowed down to a certain extent [corrected]. But this could be a starting point for several new mechanisms that are emerging to discover new drugs to combat the disease.

Synthesis of 2-oxoamides based on sulfonamide analogs of gamma-amino acids and their activity on phospholipase A2

A variety of lipophilic 2-oxoamides containing sulfonamide analogs of gamma-amino acids as well as acyl sulfonamides of gamma-aminobutyric acid were synthesized. Their ability to inhibit intracellular GIVA cPLA2 and GVIA iPLA2 as well as secreted GV sPLA2 was evaluated. The sulfonamide group seems a bioisosteric group suitable to replace the carboxyl group in 2-oxoamide inhibitors of GVIA cPLA2.

Structure-activity relationships of natural and non-natural amino acid-based amide and 2-oxoamide inhibitors of human phospholipase A(2) enzymes

A variety of 2-oxoamides and related amides based on natural and non-natural amino acids were synthesized. Their activity on two human intracellular phospholipases (GIVA cPLA(2) and GVIA iPLA(2)) and one human secretory phospholipase (GV sPLA(2)) was evaluated. We show that an amide based on (R)-gamma-norleucine is a highly selective inhibitor of GV sPLA(2).

Biology of secretory phospholipase A2

Introduction

The secretory phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂) family provides a seemingly endless array of potential biological functions that is only beginning to be appreciated. In humans, this family comprises 9 different members that vary in their tissue distribution, hydrolytic activity, and phospholipid substrate specificity. Through their lipase activity, these enzymes trigger various cell-signaling events to regulate cellular functions, directly kill bacteria, or modulate inflammatory responses. In addition, some sPLA₂’s are high affinity ligands for cellular receptors.

Objective

This review merely scratches the surface of some of the actions of sPLA₂s in innate immunity, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. The goal is to provide an overview of recent findings involving sPLA₂s and to point to potential pathophysiologic mechanisms that may become targets for therapy.

Biochemistry and physiology of mammalian secreted phospholipases A2

Phospholipases A(2) (PLA2s) are esterases that hydrolyze the sn-2 ester of glycerophospholipids and constitute one of the largest families of lipid hydrolyzing enzymes. The mammalian genome contains 10 enzymatically active secreted PLA2s (sPLA2s) and two sPLA2-related proteins devoid of lipolytic enzymatic activity. In addition to the well-established functions of one of these enzymes in digestion of dietary phospholipids and another in host defense against bacterial infections, accumulating evidence shows that some of these sPLA2s are involved in arachidonic acid release from cellular phospholipids for the biosynthesis of eicosanoids, especially during inflammation. More speculative results suggest the involvement of one or more sPLA2s in promoting atherosclerosis and cancer. In addition, the mammalian genome encodes several types of sPLA2-binding proteins, and mounting evidence shows that sPLA2s may have functions related to binding to cellular target proteins in a manner independent of their lipolytic enzymatic activity.

Role of secretory phospholipases in atherogenesis

Elevated circulating levels of secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) are associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. sPLA(2) can contribute to atherogenesis by hydrolyzing phospholipids of circulating lipoproteins and lipoproteins entrapped in the arterial wall and/or in cells that reside in the intima and that participate in the inflammatory response to lipoprotein deposition. This article reviews differences and similarities between sPLA(2)-IIA, sPLA(2)-V, and sPLA(2)-X, all of which are members of this family of enzymes with reported potential proatherogenic features. Published data suggest that each of the enzymes has a distinct profile characterized by differences in tissue expression and localization, capacity to act on phospholipids of cell membranes and lipoproteins, and their interaction with arterial proteoglycans. In addition, the article discusses results from the authors' laboratory showing that diet-induced or gene-induced hyperlipidemia in mice enhances the expression of sPLA(2)-V in different tissues, but not sPLA(2)-IIA. Such differences indicate that these enzymes may have different roles in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease through their distinct profiles.

Subendothelial lipoprotein retention as the initiating process in atherosclerosis: update and therapeutic implications

The key initiating process in atherogenesis is the subendothelial retention of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins. Local biological responses to these retained lipoproteins, including a chronic and maladaptive macrophage- and T-cell-dominated inflammatory response, promote subsequent lesion development. The most effective therapy against atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease to date--low density lipoprotein-lowering drugs--is based on the principle that decreasing circulating apolipoprotein B lipoproteins decreases the probability that they will enter and be retained in the subendothelium. Ongoing improvements in this area include more aggressive lowering of low-density lipoprotein and other atherogenic lipoproteins in the plasma and initiation of low-density lipoprotein-lowering therapy at an earlier age in at-risk individuals. Potential future therapeutic approaches include attempts to block the interaction of apolipoprotein B lipoproteins with the specific subendothelial matrix molecules that mediate retention and to interfere with accessory molecules within the arterial wall that promote retention such as lipoprotein lipase, secretory sphingomyelinase, and secretory phospholipase A2. Although not the primary focus of this review, therapeutic strategies that target the proatherogenic responses to retained lipoproteins and that promote the removal of atherogenic components of retained lipoproteins also hold promise. The finding that certain human populations of individuals who maintain lifelong low plasma levels of apolipoprotein B lipoproteins have an approximately 90% decreased risk of coronary artery disease gives hope that our further understanding of the pathogenesis of this leading killer could lead to its eradication.

Tagging SNP haplotype analysis of the secretory PLA2-V gene, PLA2G5 , shows strong association with LDL and oxLDL levels, suggesting functional distinction from sPLA2-IIA: results from the UDACS study

Animal and human studies suggest that both secretory PLA2 (sPLA2)-V and sPLA2-IIA (encoded, respectively, by the neighbouring PLA2G5 and PLA2G2A genes) contribute to atherogenesis. Elevated plasma sPLA2-IIA predicts coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, but no mass assay for sPLA2-V is available. We previously reported that tagging single nucleotide polymorphism (tSNP) haplotypes of PLA2G2A are strongly associated with sPLA2-IIA mass, but not lipid levels. Here, we use tSNPs of the sPLA2-V gene to investigate the association of PLA2G5 with CHD risk markers. Seven PLA2G5 tSNPs genotypes, explaining >92% of the locus genetic variability, were determined in 519 patients with Type II diabetes (in whom PLA2G2A tSNP data was available), and defined seven common haplotypes (frequencies >5%). PLA2G5 and PLA2G2A tSNPs showed linkage disequilibrium (LD). Compared to the common PLA2G5 haplotype, H1 (frequency 34.9%), haplotypes H2-7 were associated with overall higher plasma LDL (P < 0.00004) and total cholesterol (P < 0.00003) levels yet lower oxLDL/LDL (P = 0.006) and sPLA2-IIA mass (P = 0.04), probably reflecting LD with PLA2G2A. Intronic tSNP (rs11573248), unlikely itself to be functional, distinguished H1 from LDL-raising haplotypes and may mark a functional site. In conclusion, PLA2G5 tSNP haplotypes demonstrate an association with total and LDL cholesterol and oxLDL/LDL, not seen with PLA2G2A, thus confirming distinct functional roles for these two sPLA2s.