Functional coupling between secretory phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase-2 and its regulation by cytosolic group IV phospholipase A2

Oxylipin transport by lipoprotein particles and its functional implications for cardiometabolic and neurological disorders

Lipoprotein metabolism is critical to inflammation. While the periphery and central nervous system (CNS) have separate yet connected lipoprotein systems, impaired lipoprotein metabolism is implicated in both cardiometabolic and neurological disorders. Despite the substantial investigation into the composition, structure and function of lipoproteins, the lipoprotein oxylipin profiles, their influence on lipoprotein functions, and their potential biological implications are unclear. Lipoproteins carry most of the circulating oxylipins. Importantly, lipoprotein-mediated oxylipin transport allows for endocrine signaling by these lipid mediators, long considered to have only autocrine and paracrine functions. Alterations in plasma lipoprotein oxylipin composition can directly impact inflammatory responses of lipoprotein metabolizing cells. Similar investigations of CNS lipoprotein oxylipins are non-existent to date. However, as APOE4 is associated with Alzheimer's disease-related microglia dysfunction and oxylipin dysregulation, ApoE4-dependent lipoprotein oxylipin modulation in neurological pathologies is suggested. Such investigations are crucial to bridge knowledge gaps linking oxylipin- and lipoprotein-related disorders in both periphery and CNS. Here, after providing a summary of existent literatures on lipoprotein oxylipin analysis methods, we emphasize the importance of lipoproteins in oxylipin transport and argue that understanding the compartmentalization and distribution of lipoprotein oxylipins may fundamentally alter our consideration of the roles of lipoprotein in cardiometabolic and neurological disorders.

Inflammatory Effects of Bothrops Phospholipases A2: Mechanisms Involved in Biosynthesis of Lipid Mediators and Lipid Accumulation

Phospholipases A₂s (PLA₂s) constitute one of the major protein groups present in the venoms of viperid and crotalid snakes. Snake venom PLA₂s (svPLA₂s) exhibit a remarkable functional diversity, as they have been described to induce a myriad of toxic effects. Local inflammation is an important characteristic of snakebite envenomation inflicted by viperid and crotalid species and diverse svPLA₂s have been studied for their proinflammatory properties. Moreover, based on their molecular, structural, and functional properties, the viperid svPLA₂s are classified into the group IIA secreted PLA₂s, which encompasses mammalian inflammatory sPLA₂s. Thus, research on svPLA₂s has attained paramount importance for better understanding the role of this class of enzymes in snake envenomation and the participation of GIIA sPLA₂s in pathophysiological conditions and for the development of new therapeutic agents. In this review, we highlight studies that have identified the inflammatory activities of svPLA₂s, in particular, those from Bothrops genus snakes, which are major medically important snakes in Latin America, and we describe recent advances in our collective understanding of the mechanisms underlying their inflammatory effects. We also discuss studies that dissect the action of these venom enzymes in inflammatory cells focusing on molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the biosynthesis of lipid mediators and lipid accumulation in immunocompetent cells.

Prostaglandin production by the microalga with heterologous expression of cyclooxygenase

Prostaglandins (PGs) are the physiologically active compounds synthesized from C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) by cyclooxygenase (COX) and a series of PG synthases, and are utilized as pharmaceuticals. Currently, commercialized PGs are mainly produced by chemical synthesis under harsh conditions. By contrast, bioproduction of PGs can be an alternative, environmental-friendly, and inexpensive process with genetic engineering of model plants, although these conventional host organisms contain a limited quantity of PG precursors. In this study, we established an efficient PG production process using the genetically engineered microalga Fistulifera solaris which is rich in C20 PUFAs. A cox gene derived from the red alga Agarophyton vermiculophyllum was introduced into F. solaris. As a result, a transformant clone with high cox expression produced PGs (i.e., PGD₂ , PGE₂ , PGF_2α , and 15-ketoPGF_2α derived from arachidonic acid, and PGD₃ , PGE₃ , and PGF_3α derived from eicosapentaenoic acid) as revealed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The total content of PGs was 1290.4 ng/g of dry cell weight, which was higher than that produced in the transgenic plant reported previously. The results obtained in this study indicate that the C20 PUFA-rich microalga functionally expressing COX is a promising host for PG bioproduction.

Integrated Pathways of COX-2 and mTOR: Roles in Cell Sensing and Alzheimer's Disease

Cyclooxygenases (COX) are enzymes catalyzing arachidonic acid into prostanoids. COX exists in three isoforms: COX-1, 2, and 3. COX-1 and COX-2 have been widely studied in order to explore and understand their involvement in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive neuroinflammatory dementia. COX-2 was traditionally viewed to be expressed only under pathological conditions and to have detrimental effects in AD pathophysiology and neurodegeneration. However, an increasing number of reports point to much more complex roles of COX-2 in AD. Mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been considered as a hub which integrates multiple signaling cascades, some of which are also involved in AD progression. COX-2 and mTOR are both involved in environmental sensing, growth, and metabolic processes of the cell. They are also known to act in cooperation in many different cancers and thus, their role together in normal cellular functions as well as AD has been explored in this review. Some of the therapeutic approaches targeting COX-2 and mTOR in AD and cancer are also discussed.

Respective contribution of cytosolic phospholipase A2α and secreted phospholipase A2 IIA to inflammation and eicosanoid production in arthritis

Phospholipase A₂s (PLA₂) play a key role in generation of eicosanoids. Cytosolic PLA₂α (cPLA₂α) is constitutively expressed in most cells, whereas IIA secreted PLA₂ (sPLA₂-IIA) is induced during inflammation and is present at high levels in the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients. In mice, both cPLA₂α and sPLA₂-IIA have been implicated in autoimmune arthritis; however, the respective contribution of these two enzymes to the pathogenesis and production of eicosanoids is unknown. We evaluated the respective role of cPLA₂α and sPLA₂-IIA with regard to arthritis and eicosanoid profile in an in vivo model of arthritis. While arthritis was most severe in mice expressing both enzymes, it was abolished when both cPLA₂α and sPLA₂-IIA were lacking. cPLA₂α played a dominant role in the severity of arthritis, although sPLA₂-IIA sufficed to significantly contribute to the disease. Several eicosanoids were modulated during the course of arthritis and numerous species involved sPLA₂-IIA expression. This study confirms the critical role of PLA₂s in arthritis and unveils the distinct contribution of cPLA₂α and sPLA₂-IIA to the eicosanoid profile in arthritis.

Roles of secreted phospholipase A2 group IIA in inflammation and host defense

Among all members of the secreted phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂) family, group IIA sPLA₂ (sPLA₂-IIA) is possibly the most studied enzyme. Since its discovery, many names have been associated with sPLA₂-IIA, such as "non-pancreatic", "synovial", "platelet-type", "inflammatory", and "bactericidal" sPLA_2. Whereas the different designations indicate comprehensive functions or sources proposed for this enzyme, the identification of the precise roles of sPLA₂-IIA has remained a challenge. This can be attributed to: the expression of the enzyme by various cells of different lineages, its limited activity towards the membranes of immune cells despite its expression following common inflammatory stimuli, its ability to interact with certain proteins independently of its catalytic activity, and its absence from multiple commonly used mouse models. Nevertheless, elevated levels of the enzyme during inflammatory processes and associated consistent release of arachidonic acid from the membrane of extracellular vesicles suggest that sPLA₂-IIA may contribute to inflammation by using endogenous substrates in the extracellular milieu. Moreover, the remarkable potency of sPLA₂-IIA towards bacterial membranes and its induced expression during the course of infections point to a role for this enzyme in the defense of the host against invading pathogens. In this review, we present current knowledge related to mammalian sPLA₂-IIA and its roles in sterile inflammation and host defense.

Selectivity of phospholipid hydrolysis by phospholipase A2 enzymes in activated cells leading to polyunsaturated fatty acid mobilization

Phospholipase A₂s are enzymes that hydrolyze the fatty acid at the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone of membrane glycerophospholipids. Given the asymmetric distribution of fatty acids within phospholipids, where saturated fatty acids tend to be present at the sn-1 position, and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as those of the omega-3 and omega-6 series overwhelmingly localize in the sn-2 position, the phospholipase A₂ reaction is of utmost importance as a regulatory checkpoint for the mobilization of these fatty acids and the subsequent synthesis of proinflammatory omega-6-derived eicosanoids on one hand, and omega-3-derived specialized pro-resolving mediators on the other. The great variety of phospholipase A₂s, their differential substrate selectivity under a variety of pathophysiological conditions, as well as the different compartmentalization of each enzyme and accessibility to substrate, render this class of enzymes also key to membrane phospholipid remodeling reactions, and the generation of specific lipid mediators not related with canonical metabolites of omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acids. This review highlights novel findings regarding the selective hydrolysis of phospholipids by phospholipase A₂s and the influence this may have on the ability of these enzymes to generate distinct lipid mediators with essential functions in biological processes. This brings a new understanding of the cellular roles of these enzymes depending upon activation conditions.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid biostatus, phospholipase A2 activity and brain white matter microstructure across adolescence

Adolescence is a period of major brain white matter (WM) changes, and membrane lipid metabolism likely plays a critical role in brain WM myelination. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are essential components of cell membranes including oligodendrocytes, and LC-PUFA release and turnover in membranes is regulated by phospholipase A₂ enzymes. To investigate the role of membrane lipid metabolism in healthy WM myelination across adolescence, the present study examined the relationship between membrane LC-PUFA biostatus, phospholipase A₂ activity, and brain WM microstructure in healthy subjects aged 9-20years (n=30). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed to measure average fractional anisotropy (FA) and diffusivity (indices sensitive to WM myelination) of nine major cerebral WM tracts. Blood samples were collected to measure erythrocyte membrane fatty acid concentrations and plasma intracellular phospholipase A₂ activity (inPLA₂). Plasma inPLA₂ activity showed a significant U-curved association with WM radial diffusivity, and an inverted U-curved association with WM FA, independent of age. A significant positive linear correlation was observed between docosahexaenoic acid concentration and axial diffusivity in the corpus callosum. These findings suggest that there may be optimal physiological inPLA₂ activity levels associated with healthy WM myelination in late childhood and adolescence. Myelination may be mediated by cleavage of docosahexaenoic acid from membrane phospholipids by inPLA₂. These findings have implications for our understanding of the role of LC-PUFA homeostasis in myelin-related neurodevelopmental disorders.

Lipid profiling of polarized human monocyte-derived macrophages

The highly orchestrated transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming during activation drastically transforms the main functions and physiology of human macrophages across the polarization spectrum. Lipids, for example, can modify protein function by acting remotely as signaling molecules but also locally by altering the physical properties of cellular membranes. These changes play key roles in the functions of highly plastic immune cells due to their involvement in inflammation, immune responses, phagocytosis and wound healing processes. We report an analysis of major membrane lipids of distinct phenotypes of resting (M0), classically activated (M1), alternatively activated (M2a) and deactivated (M2c) human monocyte derived macrophages from different donors. Samples were subjected to supercritical fluid chromatography-ion mobility-mass spectrometry analysis, which allowed separations based on lipid class, facilitating the profiling of their fatty acid composition. Different levels of arachidonic acid mobilization as well as other fatty acid changes were observed for different lipid classes in the distinct polarization phenotypes, suggesting the activation of highly orchestrated and specific enzymatic processes in the biosynthesis of lipid signaling molecules and cell membrane remodeling. Thromboxane A2 production appeared to be a specific marker of M1 polarization. These alterations to the global composition of lipid bi-layer membranes in the cell provide a potential methodology for the definition and determination of cellular and tissue activation states.

Liberating Chiral Lipid Mediators, Inflammatory Enzymes, and LIPID MAPS from Biological Grease

In 1970, it was well accepted that the central role of lipids was in energy storage and metabolism, and it was assumed that amphipathic lipids simply served a passive structural role as the backbone of biological membranes. As a result, the scientific community was focused on nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates as information-containing molecules. It took considerable effort until scientists accepted that lipids also "encode" specific and unique biological information and play a central role in cell signaling. Along with this realization came the recognition that the enzymes that act on lipid substrates residing in or on membranes and micelles must also have important signaling roles, spurring curiosity into their potentially unique modes of action differing from those acting on water-soluble substrates. This led to the creation of the concept of "surface dilution kinetics" for describing the mechanism of enzymes acting on lipid substrates, as well as the demonstration that lipid enzymes such as phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) contain allosteric activator sites for specific phospholipids as well as for membranes. As our understanding of phospholipases advanced, so did the understanding that many of the lipids released by these enzymes are chiral information-containing signaling molecules; for example, PLA₂ regulates the generation of precursors for the biosynthesis of eicosanoids and other bioactive lipid mediators of inflammation and resolution underlying disease progression. The creation of the LIPID MAPS initiative in 2003 and the ensuing development of the lipidomics field have revealed that lipid metabolites are central to human metabolism. Today lipids are recognized as key mediators of health and disease as we enter a new era of biomarkers and personalized medicine. This article is my personal "reflection" on these scientific advances.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 modulates TLR2 signaling in synoviocytes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic synovitis leading to destruction of cartilage and bone. PLA2 enzymes are key players in inflammation regulating the release of unsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (AA), a precursor of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. Several lines of evidence point to toll-like receptors (TLRs) as drivers of synovitis and joint destruction in RA. However, few studies have addressed the implication of PLA2 activity downstream TLR activation in the synovium. Here, we aimed to characterize PLA2 enzyme involvement in TLR2-induced signaling in synovial fibroblast-like cells. TLRs1-7 and a range of sPLA2, iPLA2 and cPLA2 enzymes were found to be transcriptionally expressed in cultured synoviocytes. Activation of TLR2/1 and TLR2/6 led to phosphorylation of cPLA2α at Ser⁵⁰⁵, and induced AA release and PGE₂ production; effects that were attenuated by cPLA2α inhibitors. In contrast, sPLA2 inhibitors did not affect AA or PGE₂ release. cPLA2α inhibitors furthermore attenuated TLR-induced expression of IL-6, IL-8 and COX2. COX1/2 inhibitors attenuated TLR2/6-induced IL-6 transcription and protein production comparable to cPLA2α inhibition. Moreover, exogenously PGE₂ added alone induced IL-6 production and completely rescued IL-6 transcription when added simultaneously with FSL-1 in the presence of a cPLA2α inhibitor. Our results demonstrate for the first time that cPLA2α is involved in TLR2/1- and TLR2/6-induced AA release, PGE₂ production and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in synoviocytes, possibly through COX/PGE₂-dependent pathways. These findings expand our understanding of cPLA2α as a modulator of inflammatory molecular mechanisms in chronic diseases such as RA.

Protein kinase cα regulates the expression of complement receptor Ig in human monocyte-derived macrophages

The complement receptor Ig (CRIg) is selectively expressed by macrophages. This receptor not only promotes the rapid phagocytosis of bacteria by macrophages but also has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions. Previous findings have suggested that protein kinase C (PKC) may be involved in the regulation of CRIg expression in human macrophages. We have now examined the role of PKCα in CRIg expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). Macrophages nucleofected with plasmid containing short hairpin RNA against PKCα showed markedly reduced expression of PKCα, but normal PKCζ expression, by Western blotting analysis, and vice versa. PKCα-deficient MDM showed increased expression of CRIg mRNA and protein (both the long and short form), an increase in phagocytosis of complement-opsonized Candida albicans, and decreased production of TNF-α and IL-6. TNF-α caused a marked decrease in CRIg expression, and addition of anti-TNF mAb to the TNF-α-producing MDMs increased CRIg expression. PKCα-deficient macrophages also showed significantly less bacterial LPS-induced downregulation of CRIg. In contrast, cells deficient in PKCα showed decreased expression of CR type 3 (CR3) and decreased production of TNF-α and IL-6 in response to LPS. MDM developed under conditions that increased expression of CRIg over CR3 showed significantly reduced production of TNF-α in response to opsonized C. albicans. The findings indicate that PKCα promotes the downregulation of CRIg and upregulation of CR3 expression and TNF-α and IL-6 production, a mechanism that may promote inflammation.

Coordination of gene expression of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid cascade enzymes during human brain development and aging

Background

The polyunsaturated arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids (AA and DHA) participate in cell membrane synthesis during neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, and neurotransmission throughout life. Each is metabolized via coupled enzymatic reactions within separate but interacting metabolic cascades.

Hypothesis

AA and DHA pathway genes are coordinately expressed and underlie cascade interactions during human brain development and aging.

Methods

The BrainCloud database for human non-pathological prefrontal cortex gene expression was used to quantify postnatal age changes in mRNA expression of 34 genes involved in AA and DHA metabolism.

Results

Expression patterns were split into Development (0 to 20 years) and Aging (21 to 78 years) intervals. Expression of genes for cytosolic phospholipases A₂ (cPLA₂), cyclooxygenases (COX)-1 and -2, and other AA cascade enzymes, correlated closely with age during Development, less so during Aging. Expression of DHA cascade enzymes was less inter-correlated in each period, but often changed in the opposite direction to expression of AA cascade genes. Except for the PLA2G4A (cPLA₂ IVA) and PTGS2 (COX-2) genes at 1q25, highly inter-correlated genes were at distant chromosomal loci.

Conclusions

Coordinated age-related gene expression during the brain Development and Aging intervals likely underlies coupled changes in enzymes of the AA and DHA cascades and largely occur through distant transcriptional regulation. Healthy brain aging does not show upregulation of PLA2G4 or PTGS2 expression, which was found in Alzheimer's disease.

Urocortin increased endothelial ICAM1 by cPLA2-dependent NF-κB and PKA pathways in HUVECs

Urocortin (Ucn1), a member of the corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) family, has been reported to participate in inflammation. The increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) plays important roles in inflammation and immune responses. Our previous results demonstrated that Ucn1 significantly enhanced the expression of ICAM1. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the detailed mechanisms of Ucn1-induced upregulation of ICAM1. Here, we characterized the mechanisms of Ucn1 usage to regulate ICAM1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our data revealed that Ucn1 increased ICAM1 and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) expressions in a time-dependent manner via CRH receptor 2 (CRHR2). In addition, COX2 was involved in ICAM1 upregulation. Furthermore, Ucn1 could increase the expression and phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipases A2 (cPLA2) in a time-dependent manner via CRHR2 and CRHR1. Moreover, ablation of cPLA2 by the inhibitor pyrrophenone or siRNA attenuated the ICAM1 increase induced by Ucn1. In addition, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) was activated, indicated by the increase in nuclear p65NF-κB expression and phosphorylation of p65NF-κB, depending on cPLA2 and CRHR2 activation. Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamic acid, an inhibitor of NF-κB, abolished the elevation of ICAM1 but not COX2. Also, Ucn1 increased the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) which further activated protein kinase A (PKA)-CREB pathways dependent of cPLA2 via CRHR2. Moreover, the increase in NF-κB phosphorylation was not affected by the selective COX2 inhibitor NS-398 or the PKA inhibitor H89. In conclusion, these data indicate that Ucn1 increase the ICAM1 expression via cPLA2-NF-κB and cPLA2-COX2-PGE2-PKA-CREB pathways by means of CRHR2.

The ω3-polyunsaturated fatty acid derivatives AVX001 and AVX002 directly inhibit cytosolic phospholipase A(2) and suppress PGE(2) formation in mesangial cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

ω3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFAs) are known to exert anti-inflammatory effects in various disease models although their direct targets are only poorly characterized.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Here we report on two new cPLA(2) inhibitors, the ω3-derivatives AVX001 and AVX002, and their effects on inflammatory PGE(2) production in cultures of renal mesangial cells.

KEY RESULTS

AVX001 and AVX002 dose-dependently inhibited the group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2) ) in an in vitro activity assay with similar IC(50) values for AVX001 and AVX002, whereas the known cPLA(2) inhibitor AACOCF(3) was less potent and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was inactive. In renal mesangial cells, AVX001 and AVX002 suppressed IL-1β-induced PGE(2) synthesis. Mechanistically, this effect occurred by a down-regulation of IL-1β-induced group IIA-sPLA(2) protein expression, mRNA expression and promoter activity. A similar but less potent effect was seen with AACOCF(3) and no effect was seen with DHA. As gene expression of sPLA(2) is known to be regulated by the transcription factor NF-κB, we further investigated NF-κB activation. Both compounds prevented NF-κB activation by blocking degradation of the inhibitor of κB.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These data show for the first time that the novel cPLA(2) inhibitors AVX001 and AVX002 exert an anti-inflammatory effect in cultures of renal mesangial cells and reduce the pro-inflammatory mediator PGE(2) through an inhibitory effect on NF-κB activation. Therefore, these compounds may represent promising novel drugs for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Phospholipases of mineralization competent cells and matrix vesicles: roles in physiological and pathological mineralizations

The present review aims to systematically and critically analyze the current knowledge on phospholipases and their role in physiological and pathological mineralization undertaken by mineralization competent cells. Cellular lipid metabolism plays an important role in biological mineralization. The physiological mechanisms of mineralization are likely to take place in tissues other than in bones and teeth under specific pathological conditions. For instance, vascular calcification in arteries of patients with renal failure, diabetes mellitus or atherosclerosis recapitulates the mechanisms of bone formation. Osteoporosis—a bone resorbing disease—and rheumatoid arthritis originating from the inflammation in the synovium are also affected by cellular lipid metabolism. The focus is on the lipid metabolism due to the effects of dietary lipids on bone health. These and other phenomena indicate that phospholipases may participate in bone remodelling as evidenced by their expression in smooth muscle cells, in bone forming osteoblasts, chondrocytes and in bone resorbing osteoclasts. Among various enzymes involved, phospholipases A₁ or A₂, phospholipase C, phospholipase D, autotaxin and sphingomyelinase are engaged in membrane lipid remodelling during early stages of mineralization and cell maturation in mineralization-competent cells. Numerous experimental evidences suggested that phospholipases exert their action at various stages of mineralization by affecting intracellular signaling and cell differentiation. The lipid metabolites—such as arachidonic acid, lysophospholipids, and sphingosine-1-phosphate are involved in cell signaling and inflammation reactions. Phospholipases are also important members of the cellular machinery engaged in matrix vesicle (MV) biogenesis and exocytosis. They may favour mineral formation inside MVs, may catalyse MV membrane breakdown necessary for the release of mineral deposits into extracellular matrix (ECM), or participate in hydrolysis of ECM. The biological functions of phospholipases are discussed from the perspective of animal and cellular knockout models, as well as disease implications, development of potent inhibitors and therapeutic interventions.

PGE2 EP1 receptor deletion attenuates 6-OHDA-induced Parkinsonism in mice: old switch, new target

Recent experimental data on Parkinson's disease (PD) predicts the critical role of inflammation in the progression of neurodegeneration and the promising preventive effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Previous studies suggest that NSAIDs minimize cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity and thereby attenuate free radical generation. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an important product of COX activity and plays an important role in various physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions through its EP receptors (EP1-EP4). Part of the toxic effect of PGE2 in the central nervous system has been reported to be through the EP1 receptor; however, the effect of the EP1 receptor in PD remains elusive. Therefore, in our pursuit to determine if deletion of the PGE2 EP1 receptor will attenuate 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA)-induced Parkinsonism, mice were given a unilateral 6-OHDA injection into the medial forebrain bundle. We found that apomorphine-induced contralateral rotations were significantly attenuated in the 6-OHDA-lesioned EP1(-/-) mice compared with the 6-OHDA-lesioned WT mice. Quantitative analysis showed significant protection of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the 6-OHDA-lesioned EP1(-/-) mice. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in vivo study to implicate the PGE2 EP1 receptor in toxin-induced Parkinsonism. We propose the PGE2 EP1 receptor as a new target to better understand some of the mechanisms leading to PD.

Trafficking of endogenous smooth muscle cell cholesterol: a role for serum amyloid A and interleukin-1β

OBJECTIVE

Intracellular cholesterol distribution impacts cell function; however, processes influencing endogenous cholesterol trafficking remain largely unknown. Atherosclerosis is associated with vascular inflammation and these studies address the role of inflammatory mediators on smooth muscle cell cholesterol trafficking.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Interestingly, in the absence of an exogenous cholesterol source, serum amyloid A increased [(14)C] oleic acid incorporation into cholesteryl ester in rat smooth muscle cells, suggesting endogenous cholesterol trafficking to the endoplasmic reticulum. [(3)H] cholesteryl ester accumulated in cells prelabeled with [(3)H] cholesterol, confirming that serum amyloid A mediated the movement of endogenous cholesterol. Cholesterol movement was dependent upon functional endolysosomes. The cholesterol oxidase-sensitive pool of cholesterol decreased in serum amyloid A-treated cells. Furthermore, the mechanism whereby serum amyloid A induced cholesterol trafficking was determined to be via activation of expression of secretory phospholipase A(2), group IIA (sPLA(2)) and sPLA(2)-dependent activation of sphingomyelinase. Interestingly, although neither tumor necrosis factor-α nor interferon-γ induced cholesterol trafficking, interleukin-1β induced [(14)C] cholesteryl ester accumulation that was also dependent upon sPLA(2) and sphingomyelinase activities. Serum amyloid A activates smooth muscle cell interleukin-1β expression, and although the interleukin-1-receptor antagonist inhibited the interleukin-1β-induced cholesterol trafficking, it had no effect on the movement of cholesterol mediated by serum amyloid A.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support a role for inflammation in endogenous smooth muscle cell cholesterol trafficking from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Ovarian steroid regulation of endometrial phospholipase A2 isoforms in horses

Real-time PCR was used to investigate the role of progesterone (P4) and oestradiol (E2) in regulation of endometrial cytosolic, secretory and calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (PLA2G4A, PLA2G2A and PLA2G6, respectively) gene expression. Ovariectomized mares underwent 6 days of E2 pre-treatment followed by 14 days of P4 supplementation. At the start of P4 treatment (Day 1), mares were assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial design to receive either E2 or vehicle starting on Day 11 and endometrial biopsy collection on either Day 14 when P4 concentrations remained high (>4 ng/ml) or Day 16 when P4 concentrations had declined (0.5-2 ng/ml). Additional biopsies were collected from ovariectomized mares on Day 8, which served as control. Blood samples were collected for P4 determination. PLA2G4A expression was higher (p < 0.05) on Day 14 compared with Day 8. In contrast, PLA2G2A did not change significantly (p < 0.12). PLA2G4A and PLA2G2A gene expression increased (p < 0.05), as P4 concentration dropped, on Day 16. In contrast, PLA2G6 gene expression did not show differences between days. Treatment with oestradiol did not increase PLA2 isoforms expression when compared to treatment with the vehicle. PLA2G4A and PLA2G2A were positively correlated with each other and negatively correlated with P4 concentrations. In conclusion, P4 withdrawal upregulated PLA2G4A and PLA2G2A gene expression, and this was not affected by E2. PLA2G4A and PLA2G2A but not PLA2G6 gene expression may be involved in controlling prostaglandin F2 alpha synthesis and luteolysis.

Phospholipid sources for adrenic acid mobilization in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Comparison with arachidonic acid

Cells metabolize arachidonic acid (AA) to adrenic acid (AdA) via 2-carbon elongation reactions. Like AA, AdA can be converted into multiple oxygenated metabolites, with important roles in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, in contrast to AA, there is virtually no information on how the cells regulate the availability of free AdA for conversion into bioactive products. We have used a comparative lipidomic approach with both gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to characterize changes in the levels of AA- and AdA-containing phospholipid species in RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells. Incubation of the cells with AA results in an extensive conversion to AdA but both fatty acids do not compete with each other for esterification into phospholipids. AdA but not AA, shows preference for incorporation into phospholipids containing stearic acid at the sn-1 position. After stimulation of the cells with zymosan, both AA and AdA are released in large quantities, albeit AA is released to a greater extent. Finally, a variety of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol molecular species contribute to AA; however, AdA is liberated exclusively from phosphatidylcholine species. Collectively, these results identify significant differences in the cellular utilization of AA and AdA by the macrophages, suggesting non-redundant biological actions for these two fatty acids.

Group V secretory phospholipase A2 enhances the progression of angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms but confers protection against angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis in apoE-deficient mice

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and heart failure are complex life-threatening diseases whose etiology is not completely understood. In this study, we investigated whether deficiency of group V secretory phospholipase A(2) (GV sPLA(2)) protects from experimental AAA. The impact of GV sPLA(2) deficiency on angiotensin (Ang) II-induced cardiac fibrosis was also investigated. Apolipoprotein E (apoE)(-/-) mice and apoE(-/-) mice lacking GV sPLA(2) (GV DKO) were infused with 1000 ng/kg per minute Ang II for up to 28 days. Increases in systolic blood pressure, plasma aldosterone level, and urinary and heart prostanoids were similar in apoE(-/-) and GV DKO mice after Ang II infusion. The incidence of aortic rupture in Ang II-infused GV DKO mice (10%) was significantly reduced compared with apoE(-/-) mice (29.4%). Although the incidence of AAA in GV DKO mice (81.3%) and apoE(-/-) mice (100%) was similar, the mean percentage increase in maximal luminal diameter of abdominal aortas was significantly smaller in GV DKO mice (68.5% ± 7.7%) compared with apoE(-/-) mice (92.6% ± 8.3%). Deficiency of GV sPLA(2) resulted in increased Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis that was most pronounced in perivascular regions. Perivascular collagen, visualized by picrosirius red staining, was associated with increased TUNEL staining and increased immunopositivity for macrophages and myofibroblasts and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX)-2 and NOX-4, respectively. Our findings indicate that GV sPLA(2) modulates pathological responses to Ang II, with different outcomes for AAA and cardiac fibrosis.

Dynamics of arachidonic acid mobilization by inflammatory cells

The development of mass spectrometry-based techniques is opening new insights into the understanding of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. AA incorporation, remodeling and release are collectively controlled by acyltransferases, phospholipases and transacylases that exquisitely regulate the distribution of AA between the different glycerophospholipid species and its mobilization during cellular stimulation. Traditionally, studies involving phospholipid AA metabolism were conducted by using radioactive precursors and scintillation counting from thin layer chromatography separations that provided only information about lipid classes. Today, the input of lipidomic approaches offers the possibility of characterizing and quantifying specific molecular species with great accuracy and within a biological context associated to protein and/or gene expression in a temporal frame. This review summarizes recent results applying mass spectrometry-based lipidomic approaches to the identification of AA-containing glycerophospholipids, phospholipid AA remodeling and synthesis of oxygenated metabolites.

Ambient air pollution and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ in survivors of myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence suggests a proatherogenic role for lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA2). A meta-analysis of published cohorts has shown that Lp-PLA2 is an independent predictor of coronary heart disease events and stroke.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigated whether the association between air pollution and cardiovascular disease might be partly explained by increased Lp-PLA2 mass in response to exposure.

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal study of 200 patients who had had a myocardial infarction was performed in Augsburg, Germany. Up to six repeated clinical examinations were scheduled every 4-6 weeks between May 2003 and March 2004. Supplementary to the multicenter AIRGENE protocol, we assessed repeated plasma Lp-PLA2 concentrations. Air pollution data from a fixed monitoring site representing urban background concentrations were collected. We measured hourly means of particle mass [particulate matter (PM) < 10 µm (PM₁₀) and PM < 2.5 µm (PM(2.5)) in aerodynamic diameter] and particle number concentrations (PNCs), as well as the gaseous air pollutants carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), nitric oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). Data were analyzed using mixed models with random patient effects.

RESULTS

Lp-PLA2 showed a positive association with PM₁₀, PM(2.5), and PNCs, as well as with CO, NO₂, NO, and SO₂ 4-5 days before blood withdrawal (lag 4-5). A positive association with O₃ was much more immediate (lag 0). However, inverse associations with some pollutants were evident at shorter time lags.

CONCLUSION

These preliminary findings should be replicated in other study populations because they suggest that the accumulation of acute and subacute effects or the chronic exposure to ambient particulate and gaseous air pollution may result in the promotion of atherosclerosis, mediated, at least in part, by increased levels of Lp-PLA2.

A phospholipase A₂ from Bothrops asper snake venom activates neutrophils in culture: expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and PGE₂ biosynthesis

In this study, the production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and up-regulation in cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway induced by a phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂), myotoxin-III (MT-III), purified from Bothrops asper snake venom, in isolated neutrophils were investigated. The arachidonic acid (AA) production and the participation of intracellular PLA₂s (cytosolic PLA₂ and Ca(2+)-independent PLA₂) in these events were also evaluated. MT-III induced COX-2, but not COX-1 gene and protein expression in neutrophils and increased PGE₂ levels. Pretreatment of neutrophils with COX-2 and COX-1 inhibitors reduced PGE₂ production induced by MT-III. Arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF₃), an intracellular PLA₂ inhibitor, but not bromoenol lactone (BEL), an iPLA₂ inhibitor, suppressed the MT-III-induced AA and PGE₂ release. In conclusion, MT-III directly stimulates neutrophils inducing COX-2 mRNA and protein expression followed by production of PGE₂. COX-2 isoform is preeminent over COX-1 for production of PGE₂ stimulated by MT-III. PGE₂ and AA release by MT-III probably is related to cPLA₂ activation.

Brain arachidonic acid cascade enzymes are upregulated in a rat model of unilateral Parkinson disease

Arachidonic acid (AA) signaling is upregulated in the caudate-putamen and frontal cortex of unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rats, a model for asymmetrical Parkinson disease. AA signaling can be coupled to D(2)-like receptor initiated AA hydrolysis from phospholipids by cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) and subsequent metabolism by cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. In unilaterally 6-OHDA- and sham-lesioned rats, we measured brain expression of cPLA(2), other PLA(2) enzymes, and COX-2. Activity and protein levels of cPLA(2) were significantly higher as was COX-2-protein in caudate-putamen, frontal cortex and remaining brain on the lesioned compared to intact side of the 6-OHDA lesioned rats, and compared to sham brain. Secretory sPLA(2) and Ca(2+)-independent iPLA(2) expression did not differ between sides or groups. Thus, the tonically increased ipsilateral AA signal in the lesioned rat corresponds to upregulated cPLA(2) and COX-2 expression within the AA metabolic cascade, which may contribute to symptoms and pathology in Parkinson disease.

Restoration of on-time embryo implantation corrects the timing of parturition in cytosolic phospholipase A2 group IVA deficient mice

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2, PLA2G4A) catalyzes the release of arachidonic acid for prostaglandin synthesis by cyclooxygenase 1 (PTGS1) and cyclooxygenase 2 (PTGS2). Mice with Pla2g4a deficiency have parturition delay and other reproductive deficits, including deferred onset of implantation, crowding of implantation sites, and small litters. In this study, we examined the contribution of PLA2G4A to parturition in mice. Pla2g4a mRNA and protein expression were discretely localized in the term and preterm uterine luminal epithelium and colocalized with Ptgs1, but not Ptgs2, expression. The levels of PGE2, PGF2alpha, 6-keto-PGF1alpha, and TxB2 were significantly decreased in Pla2g4a-null uterine tissues, similar to Ptgs1-null uteri, consistent with predominance of PLA2G4A-PTGS1-mediated prostaglandin synthesis in preparation for murine parturition. Litter size was strongly associated with the timing of parturition in Pla2g4a-null mice but could not fully account for the parturition delay. Pla2g4a-null females that received PGE2 + carbaprostacyclin at the time of implantation delivered earlier (20.5 +/- 0.2 days vs. 21.6 +/- 0.2 days, P < 0.01), although litter size was not improved (4.6 vs. 4.4 pups per litter, P = 0.6). After correction for small litter size, multivariate analysis indicated that Pla2g4a-null mice given prostaglandin treatment to improve implantation timing had gestational length that was similar to wild-type and Pla2g4a heterozygous mice. These results indicate that, despite specific Pla2g4a expression and function in term gestation uteri, the delayed parturition phenotype in Pla2g4a-null mice is primarily due to deferral of implantation. The role of PLA2G4A in timely parturition appears to be critically related to its actions in early pregnancy.

Bipolar disorder and mechanisms of action of mood stabilizers

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a major medical and social burden, whose cause, pathophysiology and treatment are not agreed on. It is characterized by recurrent periods of mania and depression (Bipolar I) or of hypomania and depression (Bipolar II). Its inheritance is polygenic, with evidence of a neurotransmission imbalance and disease progression. Patients often take multiple agents concurrently, with incomplete therapeutic success, particularly with regard to depression. Suicide is common. Of the hypotheses regarding the action of mood stabilizers in BD, the "arachidonic acid (AA) cascade" hypothesis is presented in detail in this review. It is based on evidence that chronic administration of lithium, carbamazepine, sodium valproate, or lamotrigine to rats downregulated AA turnover in brain phospholipids, formation of prostaglandin E(2), and/or expression of AA cascade enzymes, including cytosolic phospholipase A(2), cyclooxygenase-2 and/or acyl-CoA synthetase. The changes were selective for AA, since brain docosahexaenoic or palmitic acid metabolism, when measured, was unaffected, and topiramate, ineffective in BD, did not modify the rat brain AA cascade. Downregulation of the cascade by the mood stabilizers corresponded to inhibition of AA neurotransmission via dopaminergic D(2)-like and glutamatergic NMDA receptors. Unlike the mood stabilizers, antidepressants that increase switching of bipolar depression to mania upregulated the rat brain AA cascade. These observations suggest that the brain AA cascade is a common target of mood stabilizers, and that bipolar symptoms, particularly mania, are associated with an upregulated cascade and excess AA signaling via D(2)-like and NMDA receptors. This review presents ways to test these suggestions.

Coordinate regulation of TLR-mediated arachidonic acid mobilization in macrophages by group IVA and group V phospholipase A2s

Macrophages can be activated through TLRs for a variety of innate immune responses. In contrast with the wealth of data existing on TLR-dependent gene expression and resultant cytokine production, very little is known on the mechanisms governing TLR-mediated arachidonic acid (AA) mobilization and subsequent eicosanoid production. We have previously reported the involvement of both cytosolic group IVA phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) and secreted group V phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-V) in regulating the AA mobilization response of macrophages exposed to bacterial LPS, a TLR4 agonist. In the present study, we have used multiple TLR agonists to define the role of various PLA(2)s in macrophage AA release via TLRs. Activation of P388D(1) and RAW2647.1 macrophage-like cells via TLR1/2, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR6/2, and TLR7, but not TLR5 or TLR9, resulted in AA mobilization that appears to involve the activation of both cPLA(2) and sPLA(2) but not of calcium-independent phospholipase A(2). Furthermore, inhibition of sPLA(2)-V by RNA interference or by two cell-permeable compounds, namely scalaradial and manoalide, resulted in a marked reduction of the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and cPLA(2) via TLR1/2, TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4, leading to attenuated AA mobilization. Collectively, the results suggest a model whereby sPLA(2)-V contributes to the macrophage AA mobilization response via various TLRs by amplifying cPLA(2) activation through the ERK1/2 phosphorylation cascade.

Mode of action of mood stabilizers: is the arachidonic acid cascade a common target?

Bipolar disorder is a major medical, social and economic burden worldwide. However, the mechanisms of action of effective antibipolar disorder drugs remain elusive. In this paper, we review studies using a neuropharmacological approach in unanesthetized rats, combined with kinetic, biochemical and molecular biology techniques, showing that chronic administration of three Food and Drug Administration-approved mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate and carbamazepine) at therapeutically relevant doses, selectively target the brain arachidonic acid (AA) cascade. Whereas chronic lithium and carbamazepine decrease the binding activity of activator protein-2 and in turn the transcription, translation and activity of its AA-selective calcium-dependent phospholipase A(2) gene product, valproate appears to be a non-competitive inhibitor of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase. The net overlapping effects of the three drugs are decreased turnover of AA but not of docosahexaenoic acid in rat brain phospholipids, and decreased brain cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E(2). Although these observations support the hypothesis proposed by Rapoport and colleagues that the AA cascade is a common target of mood stabilizers, this hypothesis is not necessarily exclusive of other targets. Targeting the AA cascade with drugs or diet may be a useful therapeutic approach in bipolar disorder, and examining the AA cascade in patients might help in better understanding the disease.

COX-2 localization within plasma membrane caveolae-like structures in human lobular intraepithelial neoplasia of the breast

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is highly expressed in human intraepithelial neoplasia of the breast and takes part in the molecular pathway implicated in progression of breast cancer. Recently, we demonstrated that COX-2 protein is mainly located in plasma membrane of lobular intraepithelial neoplasia (LIN) cells suggesting a localization in caveolae-like structures. The aim of the present study is to establish subcellular locations of COX-2 and its colocalization with caveolin-1 (CAV-1) to caveolae structures in LIN. To establish a relationship between COX-2 and CAV-1, 39 LINs were studied by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy analysis. COX-2 and CAV-1 expression was observed respectively in 79.5 and in 94.9% of LIN studied. A positive correlation was found between membrane COX-2 staining pattern and CAV-1 expression, while no correlation was found between cytoplasm COX-2 staining pattern and CAV-1. Confocal analysis showed that COX-2 localized to plasma membrane was strictly associated to CAV-1 suggesting that an amount of COX-2 protein is placed in caveolae-like structures. Our results show that COX-2 is localized within caveolae compartment and colocalized with CAV-1 protein in LIN lesions. Because caveolae are rich in signaling molecules, this COX-2 compartment may play an important role in diverse breast cancer carcinogenesis processes.

The roles of NADPH oxidase and phospholipases A2 in oxidative and inflammatory responses in neurodegenerative diseases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in mammalian cells through enzymic and non-enzymic mechanisms. Although some ROS production pathways are needed for specific physiological functions, excessive production is detrimental and is regarded as the basis of numerous neurodegenerative diseases. Among enzymes producing superoxide anions, NADPH oxidase is widespread in mammalian cells and is an important source of ROS in mediating physiological and pathological processes in the cardiovascular and the CNS. ROS production is linked to the alteration of intracellular calcium homeostasis, activation of Ca(2+)-dependent enzymes, alteration of cytoskeletal proteins, and degradation of membrane glycerophospholipids. There is evolving evidence that ROS produced by NADPH oxidase regulate neuronal functions and degrade membrane phospholipids through activation of phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)). This review is intended to cover recent studies describing ROS generation from NADPH oxidase in the CNS and its downstream activation of PLA(2), namely, the group IV cytosolic cPLA(2) and the group II secretory sPLA(2). A major focus is to elaborate the dual role of NADPH oxidase and PLA(2) in mediating the oxidative and inflammatory responses in neurodegenerative diseases, including cerebral ischemia and Alzheimer's disease. Elucidation of the signaling pathways linking NADPH oxidase with the multiple forms of PLA(2) will be important in understanding the oxidative and degradative mechanisms that underline neuronal damage and glial activation and will facilitate development of therapeutic intervention for prevention and treatment of these and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Distinct phospholipase A2 enzymes regulate prostaglandin E2 and F2alpha production by bovine endometrial epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

The rate-limiting step in prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis is catalyzed by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes which hydrolyze arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids. Despite their importance in uterine PG production, little is known concerning the specific PLA2 enzymes that regulate arachidonic acid liberation in the uterine endometrium. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the expression and activities of calcium-independent Group VI and Group IVC PLA2 (PLA2G6 and PLA2G4C) and calcium-dependent Group IVA PLA2 (PLA2G4A) enzymes in the regulation of bovine uterine endometrial epithelial cell PG production.

METHODS

Bovine endometrial epithelial cells in culture were treated with oxytocin, interferon-tau and the PLA2G6 inhibitor bromoenol lactone, alone and in combination. Concentrations of PGF2alpha and PGE2 released into the medium were analyzed. Western blot analysis was performed on cellular protein to determine the effects of treatments on expression of PLA2G4A, PLA2G6 and PLA2G4C. Group-specific PLA2 activity assays were performed on cell lysates following treatment with oxytocin, interferon-tau or vehicle (control), alone and in combination. To further evaluate the role of specific PLA2 enzymes in uterine cell PG biosynthesis, cells were transfected with cDNAs encoding human PLA2G6 and PLA24C, treated as described above and PG assays performed.

RESULTS

Constitutive cell production of PGF2alpha was about two-fold higher than PGE2. Oxytocin stimulated production of both PGs but the increase of PGF2alpha was significantly greater. Interferon-tau diminished oxytocin stimulation of both PGs. The PLA2G6 inhibitor, bromoenol lactone, abolished oxytocin-stimulated production of PGF2alpha. Treatments had little effect on PLA2G4A protein expression. In contrast, oxytocin enhanced expression of PLA2G6 and this effect was diminished in the presence of interferon-tau. Expression of PLA2G4C was barely detectable in control and oxytocin treated cells but it was enhanced in cells treated with interferon-tau. Oxytocin stimulated PLA2 activity in assays designed to evaluate PLA2G6 activity and interferon-tau inhibited this response. In assays designed to measure PLA2G4C activity, only interferon-tau was stimulatory. Cells overexpressing PLA2G6 produced similar quantities of the two PGs and these values were significantly higher than PG production by non-transfected cells. Oxytocin stimulated production of both PGs and this response was inhibited by interferon-tau. Bromoenol lactone inhibited oxtocin stimulation of PGF2alpha production but stimulated PGE2 production, both in the absence and presence of oxytocin. Cells over-expressing PLA2G4C produced more PGE2 than PGF2alpha and interferon-tau stimulated PGE2 production.

CONCLUSION

Results from these studies indicate that oxytocin stimulation of uterine PGF2alpha production is mediated, at least in part, by up-regulation of PLA2G6 expression and activity. In addition to its known inhibitory effect on oxytocin receptor expression, interferon-tau represses oxytocin-stimulated PLA2G6 expression and activity and this contributes to diminished PGF2alpha production. Furthermore, endometrial cell PGE2 biosynthesis was associated with PLA2G4C expression and activity and interferon-tau was stimulatory to this process.

Dietary n-3 PUFA deprivation alters expression of enzymes of the arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid cascades in rat frontal cortex

The enzymes that regulate the brain arachidonic acid (AA) cascade have been implicated in bipolar disorder and neuroinflammation. Fifteen weeks of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) deprivation in rats decreases the concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and increases its half-life within the brain. Based on this, we hypothesized that such dietary deprivation would decrease expression of enzymes responsible for the metabolic loss of DHA while increasing expression of those responsible for the metabolism of AA. Fifteen weeks of n-3 PUFA deprivation significantly decreased the activity, protein and mRNA expression of the DHA regulatory phospholipase A2 (PLA2), calcium-independent iPLA2, in rat frontal cortex. In contrast the activities, protein and mRNA levels of the AA selective calcium-dependent cytosolic phospholipase (cPLA2) and secretory sPLA2 were increased. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 protein but not mRNA was decreased in the n-3 PUFA-deprived rats whereas COX-2 protein and mRNA were increased. This study suggests that n-3 PUFA deprivation increases the half-live of brain DHA by downregulating iPLA2. The finding that n-3 PUFA deprivation increases cPLA2, sPLA2 and COX-2 is opposite to what has been reported after chronic administration of anti-manic agents to rats and suggests that n-3 PUFA deprivation may increase susceptibility to bipolar disorder.

Differential behavior of sPLA2-V and sPLA2-X in human neutrophils

Neutrophils and differentiated PLB-985 cells contain various types of PLA(2)s including the 85 kDa cytosolic PLA(2) (cPLA(2)), Ca(2+)-independent PLA(2) (iPLA(2)) and secreted PLA(2)s (sPLA(2)s). The present study focuses on the behavior of sPLA(2)s in neutrophils and PLB cells and their relationship to cPLA(2)alpha. The results of the present research show that the two types of sPLA(2) present in neutrophils, sPLA(2)-V and sPLA(2)-X, which are located in the azurophil granules, are differentially affected by physiological stimuli. While sPLA(2)-V is secreted to the extacellular milieu, sPLA(2)-X is detected on the plasma membranes after stimulation. Stimulation of neutrophils with formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP), opsonized zymosan (OZ) or A23187 resulted in a different kinetics of sPLA(2) secretion as detected by its activity in the neutrophil supernatants. Neutrophil priming by inflammatory cytokines or LPS enhanced sPLA(2) activity detected in the supernatant after stimulation by fMLP. This increased activity was due to increased secretion of sPLA(2)-V to the supernatant and not to release of sPLA(2)-X. sPLA(2) in granulocyte-like PLB cells exhibit identical characteristics to neutrophil sPLA(2), with similar activity and optimal pH of 7.5. Granulocyte-like cPLA(2)alpha-deficient PLB cells serve as a good model to study whether sPLA(2) activity is regulated by cPLA(2)alpha. Secretion and activity of sPLA(2) were found to be similar in granulocyte-like PLB cells expressing or lacking cPLA(2)alpha, indicating that they are not under cPLA(2)alpha regulation.

Regulatable gene expression systems for gene therapy

It is feasible to restrict transgene expression to a tissue or region in need of therapy by using promoters that respond to focusable physical stimuli. The most extensively investigated promoters of this type are radiation-inducible promoters and heat shock protein gene promoters that can be activated by directed, transient heat. Temporal regulation of transgenes can be achieved by various two- or three-component gene switches that are triggered by an appropriate small molecule inducer. The most commonly considered gene switches that are reviewed herein are based on small molecule-responsive transactivators derived from bacterial tetracycline repressor, insect or mammalian steroid receptors, or mammalian FKBP12/FRAP. A new generation of gene switches combines a heat shock protein gene promoter and a small molecule-responsive gene switch and can provide for both spatial and temporal regulation of transgene activity.

Angiotensin II type 1-receptor antagonism prevents type IIA secretory phospholipase A2-dependent lipid peroxidation

Accumulation and modification of low density lipoproteins (LDL) within the vessel wall represent key events in atherogenesis. Secretory phospholipase A2 type IIA (sPLA2-IIA) modulates the enzymatic process of LDL-modification and was recently identified as an independent predictor of coronary events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 (AT1)-receptor blockade reduces LDL-modification and atherosclerotic plaque formation in rodent and primate models of atherosclerosis. Therefore, we assessed whether ANG II via its AT1-receptor enhances sPLA2-IIA-dependent lipid peroxidation in vitro and in patients with CAD. Stimulation of rat aortic smooth muscle cells with ANG II (10(-7) mol/L) enhanced sPLA2-IIA protein expression, activity as well as LDL-peroxidation, determined by western blot, activity assay and malondialdehyde (MDA)-assay and diene formation, respectively, and were blunted by AT1-receptor blockade (Losartan, 10(-5) mol/L). In addition, ANG II-induced sPLA2 activity and LDL-peroxidation were abolished by the sPLA2-IIa activity inhibitor LY311727 (10(-5) mol/L). To evaluate a potential clinical implication, patients (n=18) with angiographically documented CAD were treated with the AT1-receptor blocker Irbesartan (IRB; 300 mg/d) for 12 weeks. Blood samples were obtained from patients pre- and post-treatment and from healthy volunteers. SPLA2-IIA serum level and activity, circulating antibodies against oxidized LDL (oxLDL), oxLDL and MDA were determined in patients and found to be significantly increased compared to healthy volunteers. IRB therapy reduced these markers of inflammation, whereas total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-fractions remained unchanged. ANG II may elicit pro-atherosclerotic effects via type IIA sPLA2-dependent LDL-modifications. Chronical AT1-receptor blockade reduces sPLA2-IIA level and activity and subsequently lipid peroxidation. Theses findings represent a novel anti-atherosclerotic mechanism and imply that AT1-receptor blockade elicits anti-atherosclerotic potencies even in the absence of plasma cholesterol reduction.

Infection of human endothelial cells with spotted Fever group rickettsiae stimulates cyclooxygenase 2 expression and release of vasoactive prostaglandins

Rickettsiae, a diverse group of obligately intracellular gram-negative bacteria, include etiologic agents of the spotted fever and typhus groups of diseases. Rocky Mountain spotted fever and boutonneuse fever, due to Rickettsia rickettsii and R. conorii, respectively, are characterized by widespread infection of the vascular endothelium, microvascular injury, and vasculitis. Cultured human endothelial cells (EC) are highly susceptible to infection and respond by altering the expression of adhesion molecules, regulatory cytokines, and the antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase (HO). In the vasculature, HO regulates the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, among which the inducible isozyme COX-2 facilitates the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs). Using in vitro and ex vivo models of infection, we demonstrate here that R. rickettsii infection of human EC causes robust induction of COX-2 mRNA and protein expression but has no apparent effect on the constitutive COX-1 isoform. Cells infected with viable rickettsiae consistently displayed significantly increased secretion of 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) and PGE(2). R. rickettsii-induced COX-2 was sensitive to inhibitors of de novo transcription and the pyridinylimidazole-based compound SB 203580, suggesting that this transcriptional host cell response involves signaling through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. PG production by infected cells was abrogated by NS 398 (a selective COX-2 inhibitor) and indomethacin (a pan-COX inhibitor). Immunohistochemical staining of sections of infected umbilical cords and corresponding uninfected controls revealed comparatively more intense and abundant staining for COX-2 in infected endothelia. Induction of the endothelial COX-2 system and the resultant enhanced release of vasoactive PGs may contribute to the regulation of inflammatory responses and vascular permeability changes during spotted fever rickettsioses.

Cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and epoxygenases in CNS: Their role and involvement in neurological disorders

Three enzyme systems, cyclooxygenases that generate prostaglandins, lipoxygenases that form hydroxy derivatives and leukotrienes, and epoxygenases that give rise to epoxyeicosatrienoic products, metabolize arachidonic acid after its release from neural membrane phospholipids by the action of phospholipase A(2). Lysophospholipids, the other products of phospholipase A(2) reactions, are either reacylated or metabolized to platelet-activating factor. Under normal conditions, these metabolites play important roles in synaptic function, cerebral blood flow regulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and gene expression. Increased activities of cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and epoxygenases under pathological situations such as ischemia, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease produce neuroinflammation involving vasodilation and vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, leukocyte chemotaxis and release of cytokines, and oxidative stress. These are closely associated with the neural cell injury which occurs in these neurological conditions. The metabolic products of docosahexaenoic acid, through these enzymes, generate a new class of lipid mediators, namely docosatrienes and resolvins. These metabolites antagonize the effect of metabolites derived from arachidonic acid. Recent studies provide insight into how these arachidonic acid metabolites interact with each other and other bioactive mediators such as platelet-activating factor, endocannabinoids, and docosatrienes under normal and pathological conditions. Here, we review present knowledge of the functions of cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and epoxygenases in brain and their association with neurodegenerative diseases.

Control of phospholipase A2 activities for the treatment of inflammatory conditions

Phospholipase-A2 (PLA2) enzymes hydrolyze cell membrane phospholipids to produce arachidonic acid (AA) and lyso-phospholipids (LysoPL), playing a key role in the production of inflammatory lipid mediators, mainly eicosanoids. They are therefore considered pro-inflammatory enzymes and their inhibition has long been recognized as a desirable therapeutic target. However, attempts to develop suitable PLA2 inhibitors for the treatment of inflammatory diseases have yet to succeed. This is due to their functional and structural diversity, and their homeostatic and even anti-inflammatory roles in certain circumstances. In the present review we outline the diversity and functions of PLA2 isoforms, and their interplay in the induction and inhibition of inflammatory processes, with emphasis on discussing approaches for therapeutic manipulation of PLA2 activities.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 inhibition attenuates ischemia-reperfusion injury in an isolated rat lung model

BACKGROUND

Arachidonic acid metabolites and platelet-activating factor (PAF) are potentially involved in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) lung injury. A key enzyme regulating their metabolism is cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). Arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3) is reported to be a potent cPLA2 inhibitor. In the present study, we hypothesized that pharmacological inhibition of cPLA2 might ameliorate IR lung injury.

METHODS

To test the hypothesis, we examined the effects of AACOCF3 in an isolated rat lung model. Three groups were defined (n=6, each): in the vehicle group, lungs were perfused for 2 hours without an ischemic period. In the ischemic groups, 20 mg/kg of AACOCF3 (AACOCF3 group) or saline (control group) was i.v. administered 15 min before lung harvest. Lungs were flushed with LPD solution, cold-stored 18 hours, and reperfused for 2 hours.

RESULTS

IR increased cPLA2 activity mainly via alveolar macrophages, sPLA2 activity, thromboxane and leukotriene formation, and the expression of PAF receptor, whereas AACOCF3 treatment significantly reduced all of these. Compared to the vehicle group, the wet-to-dry ratio, proteins in BAL, and MPO activity increased significantly by twofold, fourfold, and threefold, respectively. Furthermore, the PO2 dropped from 615.7+/-31.2 to 452.1+/-30.9 mmHg at the end of reperfusion (P<0.001). AACOCF3 treatment maintained the PO2 at a level similar to the vehicle group throughout reperfusion and reduced significantly the alveolar-capillary leakage, edema formation, and neutrophil extravasation.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacological inhibition of the cPLA2 cascade decreases bioactive lipid formation and attenuates IR-induced lung injury.