Artocarpol A stimulation of superoxide anion generation in neutrophils involved the activation of PLC, PKC and p38 mitogen-activated PK signaling pathways

Dibenzo[b,f]oxepine Molecules Used in Biological Systems and Medicine

In this short review, including 113 references, issues related to dibenzo[b,f]oxepine derivatives are presented. Dibenzo[b,f]oxepine scaffold is an important framework in medicinal chemistry, and its derivatives occur in several medicinally relevant plants. At the same time, the structure, production, and therapeutic effects of dibenzo[b,f]oxepines have not been extensively discussed thus far and are presented in this review. This manuscript addresses the following issues: extracting dibenzo[b,f]oxepines from plants and its significance in medicine, the biosynthesis of dibenzo[b,f]oxepines, the active synthetic dibenzo[b,f]oxepine derivatives, the potential of dibenzo[b,f]oxepines as microtubule inhibitors, and perspective for applications of dibenzo[b,f]oxepine derivatives. In conclusion, this review describes studies on various structural features and pharmacological actions of dibenzo[b,f]oxepine derivatives.

Molecular mechanisms of fMLP-induced superoxide generation and degranulation in mouse neutrophils

In this manuscript, involvement of PLD in fMLP-induced superoxide generation and degranulation were re-investigated using PLD(-/-) neutrophils, and the molecular mechanisms of these neutrophil functions were examined. Neither PLD1 nor PLD2 is involved in these fMLP-induced neutrophil functions. The results obtained in this study provide evidence that cPKC plays an important role in fMLP-induced superoxide generation. On the other hand, Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathway and cPKC seem to be involved in degranulation.

Molecular mechanisms of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced superoxide generation and degranulation in mouse neutrophils: phospholipase D is dispensable

Phospholipase D (PLD), which produces the lipid messenger phosphatidic acid (PA), has been implicated in superoxide generation and degranulation in neutrophils. The basis for this conclusion is the observation that primary alcohols, which interfere with PLD-catalyzed PA production, inhibit these neutrophil functions. However, off-target effects of primary alcohols cannot be totally excluded. Here, we generated PLD(-/-) mice in order to reevaluate the involvement of PLD in and investigate the molecular mechanisms of these neutrophil functions. Surprisingly, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) induced these functions in PLD(-/-) neutrophils, and these functions were suppressed by ethanol. These results indicate that PLD is dispensable for these neutrophil functions and that ethanol nonspecifically inhibits them, warning against the use of primary alcohols as specific inhibitors of PLD-mediated PA formation. The calcium ionophore ionomycin and the membrane-permeative compound 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OADG) synergistically induced superoxide generation. On the other hand, ionomycin alone induced degranulation, which was further augmented by OADG. These results demonstrate that conventional protein kinase C (cPKC) is crucial for superoxide generation, and a Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathway(s) and cPKC are involved in degranulation in mouse neutrophils.

The signaling mechanisms mediating the inhibitory effect of TCH-1116 on formyl peptide-stimulated superoxide anion generation in neutrophils

In fMLP (formyl-Met-Leu-Phe)-stimulated rat neutrophils, a mixture of regioisomers benzo[a]furo[2,3-c]phenazine-10-carboxylic acid and benzo[a]furo[2,3-c]phenazine-11-carboxylic acid (TCH-1116) inhibited O(2)(-) (superoxide anion) generation, which was not mediated by scavenging the generated O(2)(-) or by a cytotoxic effect on neutrophils. TCH-1116 had no effect on the arachidonic acid-induced NADPH oxidase activation in a cell-free system, whereas it effectively attenuated the phosphorylation of Ser residues in p47(phox) and the association between p47(phox) and p22(phox) in fMLP-stimulated neutrophils. The interaction of p47(phox) with PKC (protein kinase C) isoforms (α, βI, βII, δ and ζ) was attenuated by TCH-1116, whereas TCH-1116 did not affect the PKC isoforms membrane translocation, phosphorylation (Ser660) and kinase activity. TCH-1116 effectively attenuated the association between PKB/Akt (protein kinase B) and p47(phox), Akt phosphorylation (Thr308/Ser473) and kinase activities of Akt and human recombinant PDK (3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase) 1, whereas it had no effect on recruitment of Akt, phospho-PDK1 (Ser241) and p110γ to membrane. Moreover, the interaction of p21-activated kinase (PAK) 1 with p47(phox) and the phosphorylation of PAK1 (Thr423 but not Ser144) were inhibited by TCH-1116, but without affecting the membrane recruitment of PAK1. The cellular cyclic AMP level was not changed by TCH-1116. Taken together, these results suggest that TCH-1116 inhibits fMLP-stimulated O(2)(-) generation in rat neutrophils through the blockade of PKC, Akt and PAK signaling pathways.

Interferon-γ plays a role in paraquat-induced neurodegeneration involving oxidative and proinflammatory pathways

Exposure to environmental contaminants, particularly pesticides, may be an important etiological factor in Parkinson's disease (PD); and evidence suggests a role for microglia-dependent inflammatory and oxidative processes in nigrostriatal pathology induced by such toxins. Yet, the events mediating microglial activation and their effects are not fully known. To this end, we hypothesized that the proinflammatory cytokine, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), may be a prime factor in the pathogenesis of PD, given its critical role in regulating microglial responses to pathogens. Indeed, the present investigation demonstrated that genetic deletion of IFN-γ protected substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopamine (DA) neurons from the toxic effects of the pesticide, paraquat, and normalized changes in inflammatory and oxidative factors within this brain region. Specifically, IFN-γ knockout prevented the paraquat-induced morphological signs of microglial activation and expression of key nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits, while also preventing time-dependent changes in proinflammatory enzymes (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2]), cytokines (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]), and signaling factors (c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK], p38 MAP kinase [p38], Signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 [STAT1], nuclear factor kappa B [NF-κB]). Moreover, paraquat transiently suppressed substantia nigra pars compacta expression of trophic and proneuroplastic factors (cyclic-AMP response element binding protein [CREB], brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]), and IFN-γ deficiency again reversed these effects. These data suggest that IFN-γ is important for paraquat-induced neurodegeneration and the accompanying oxidative, inflammatory, and trophic changes that characterize the response to the toxin. Targeting IFN-γ could thus have therapeutic implications for PD and other neurodegenerative conditions that involve multiple inflammatory pathways.

Inhibition of superoxide anion generation by CHS-111 via blockade of the p21-activated kinase, protein kinase B/Akt and protein kinase C signaling pathways in rat neutrophils

In formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)-stimulated rat neutrophils, 2-benzyl-3-(4-hydroxymethylphenyl)indazole (CHS-111) inhibited superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) generation, which was not mediated by scavenging the generated O(2)(-) or by a cytotoxic effect, and attenuated migration. CHS-111 had no effect on the arachidonic acid-induced NADPH oxidase activation or the GTPgammaS-stimulated Rac2 membrane translocation in cell-free systems, whereas it effectively attenuated the membrane recruitment of p40(phox), p47(phox) and p67(phox), phosphorylation of Ser residues in p47(phox), association between p47(phox) and p22(phox), and Rac activation in fMLP-stimulated neutrophils. Moreover, the phosphorylation and membrane recruitment of p21-activated kinase (PAK), PAK kinase activity and the interaction of PAK with p47(phox) were inhibited by CHS-111. CHS-111 effectively reduced Akt kinase activity and the association between Akt and p47(phox), moderately inhibited the membrane recruitment of Akt and phospho-PDK1, and slightly attenuated Akt (Thr308) phosphorylation, whereas it had no effect on Akt (Ser473) phosphorylation or p110gamma membrane translocation. The membrane recruitment of protein kinase C (PKC)-alpha, -betaI, -betaII, -delta and -zeta, PKC phosphorylation and PKC kinase activity was attenuated by CHS-111, whereas CHS-111 did not affect the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) or downstream MAPK-activated protein kinase-2. Higher concentrations of CHS-111 were required to decrease fMLP-stimulated intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) elevation in the presence but not in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), and to reduce cellular cyclic AMP but slightly increase cyclic GMP levels. Taken together, these results suggest that CHS-111 inhibits fMLP-stimulated O(2)(-) generation in rat neutrophils through the blockade of PAK, Akt and PKC signaling pathways.

PGE2 inhibits apical K channels in the CCD through activation of the MAPK pathway

We used the patch-clamp technique and Western blot analysis to explore the effect of PGE(2) on ROMK-like small-conductance K (SK) channels and Ca(2+)-activated big-conductance K channels (BK) in the cortical collecting duct (CCD). Application of 10 microM PGE(2) inhibited SK and BK channels in the CCD. Moreover, either inhibition of PKC or blocking mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), P38 and ERK, abolished the effect of PGE(2) on SK channels in the CCD. The effect of PGE(2) on SK channels was completely blocked in the presence of SC-51089, a specific EP1 receptor antagonist, and mimicked by application of sulprostone, an agonist for EP1 and EP3 receptors. To determine whether PGE(2) stimulates the phosphorylation of P38 and ERK, we treated mouse CCD cells (M-1) with PGE(2). Application of PGE(2) significantly stimulated the phosphorylation of P38 and ERK within 5 min. The dose-response curve of PGE(2) effect shows that 1, 5, and 10 microM PGE(2) increased the phosphorylation of P38 and ERK by 20-21, 50-80, and 80-100%, respectively. The stimulatory effect of PGE(2) on MAPK phosphorylation was not affected by indomethacin but abolished by inhibition of PKC. This suggests that the effect of PGE(2) on MAPK phosphorylation is PKC dependent. Also, the expression of cyclooxygenase II and PGE(2) concentration in renal cortex and outer medulla was significantly higher in rats fed a K-deficient diet than those on a normal-K diet. We conclude that PGE(2) inhibits SK and BK channels and that there is an effect of PGE(2) on SK channels in the CCD through activation of EP1 receptor and MAPK pathways. Also, high concentrations of PGE(2) induced by K restriction may be partially responsible for increasing MAPK activity during K restriction.

Effective attenuation of acute lung injury in vivo and the formyl peptide-induced neutrophil activation in vitro by CYL-26z through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase γ pathway

5-[4-Acridin-9-ylamino]phenyl]-5-methyl-3-methylenedihydrofuran-2-one (CYL-26z) inhibited the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) infiltration and protein leakage into the lungs in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice as determined on the basis of PMNL and protein contents in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and myeloperoxidase (MPO) content in whole lung extracts. CYL-26z also attenuated the formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)-induced neutrophil chemotaxis and respiratory burst in vitro (IC(50) 8.4+/-0.9microM and 2.0+/-0.6microM, respectively). CYL-26z had no effect on superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) generation during dihydroxyfumaric acid autoxidation or on the NADPH oxidase activity in two cell-free systems (the arachidonic acid-induced assembly of NADPH oxidase and the preassembled oxidase caused by phorbol ester treatment), whereas it inhibited NaF-induced respiratory burst. Inhibition of respiratory burst by CYL-26z was readily reversible by washing. Only slight, but significant, inhibition of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in response to fMLP by CYL-26z up to 30microM was obtained. CYL-26z effectively blocked the formation of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3)) as determined by immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry assays and the dual phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) on S473 and T308 residues in fMLP-stimulated neutrophils. The membrane recruitment of p110gamma and Ras, the Ras activation, and the association between p110gamma and Ras were also attenuated by CYL-26z. These results indicate that the blockade of Ras activation by CYL-26z attenuated the downstream phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) gamma signaling, which is involved in chemoattractant-induced neutrophil chemotaxis and respiratory burst, and may have a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect on ALI.

Activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Src family kinase is required for respiratory burst in rat neutrophils stimulated with artocarpol A

Artocarpol A (ART), a natural product isolated from Artocarpus rigida, stimulated superoxide anion (O2*-) generation, which was inhibited by 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (LY 294002), a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, in rat neutrophils. ART stimulated phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) on both T308 and S473 residues, and LY 294002 inhibited these effects. Rat neutrophils expressed both class IA PI3K subunits (p85, p110alpha, p110beta, and p110delta) and a class IB PI3K subunit (p110gamma) as assessed by a combination of Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) approaches. Stimulation of neutrophils with ART evoked phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) formation, which reached a maximal level at 2 min and was attenuated by LY 294002, as evidenced by immunofluorescence microscopy and by flow cytometry. Detectable membrane-association of class IA PI3Ks, class IB PI3K and Ras was seen as early as 1.5, 0.5 and 1.5 min, respectively, after stimulation with ART. The kinetics of ART-induced Ras activation paralleled the kinetics of class IA PI3Ks recruitment to membrane caused by ART, and the p85 and p110gamma immunoprecipitates contain Ras. ART stimulated Src family kinase activation, which was detectable within 1.5 min of incubation with ART. Both Src kinase activity and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 formation in ART-stimulated neutrophils were inhibited by 4-amino-1-tert-butyl-3-(1'-naphthyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP1 analog). PP1 analog also attenuated the ART-stimulated O2*- generation in rat neutrophils. These results indicate that the stimulation of respiratory burst by ART in neutrophils implicates PI3K signaling.