Chemical probes that differentially modulate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and BLTR, nuclear and cell surface receptors for leukotriene B(4)

Scientific and Artful Voices of Resilience

Resilience is a fluid trait that is triggered by personal experience. It is, arguably, a necessity for a scientist. What is it? You know it, when you see it. One thing is for certain: resilience reflects the dynamic toggle between change and an individual’s identity.

The Pioglitazone Trek via Human PPAR Gamma: From Discovery to a Medicine at the FDA and Beyond

For almost two decades, pioglitazone has been prescribed primarily to prevent and treat insulin resistance in some type 2 diabetic patients. In this review, we trace the path to discovery of pioglitazone as a thiazolidinedione compound, the glitazone tracks through the regulatory agencies, the trek to molecular agonism in the nucleus and the binding of pioglitazone to the nuclear receptor PPAR gamma. Given the rise in consumption of pioglitazone in T2D patients worldwide and the increased number of clinical trials currently testing alternate medical uses for this drug, there is also merit to some reflection on the reported adverse effects. Going forward, it is imperative to continue investigations into the mechanisms of actions of pioglitazone, the potential of glitazone drugs to contribute to unmet needs in complex diseases associated with the dynamics of adaptive homeostasis, and also the routes to minimizing adverse effects in every-day patients throughout the world.

The influence of experimentally induced endometritis on the PPAR expression profile in the bovine endometrium

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors of the nuclear receptor superfamily. The PPARs activity can be modified e.g. by arachidonic acid metabolites. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the main infectious agent of endometritis in dairy cows. We hypothesized that PPAR expression profile change in the bovine endometrium under the influence of LPS or E. coli. In experiment 1, endometrial explants were obtained post mortem from heifers and incubated without (control) or with LPS for 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. In experiment 2, heifers were intrauterine infused with 0.9% NaCl (control) or with E. coli suspension in 0.9% NaCl. Endometrial biopsies were performed before (0 h) and 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 h after the infusions. In experiment 1, the increase in protein expression was observed for PPARα 48 h, for PPARβ/δ 24, 72 and 96 h, whereas for PPARγ 12, 24 and 96 h after LPS treatment relative to the control groups. In experiment 2, the up-regulation in protein expression was observed for PPARα 48 and 72 h, for PPARβ/δ 72 and 96 h, for PPARγ1 and PPARγ2 12 and 96 h after the intrauterine infusion with E. coli suspension compared to the control group. Changes in mRNA and protein PPAR expression profile in endometrial explants under the exposure of LPS indicate participation of these nuclear receptors in signal transduction during stimulation with LPS. The patterns of mRNA and protein PPAR expression in endometrial bioptates suggest that during experimentally induced endometritis in vivo, PPARs role may be connected both with enhancement of inflammation as well restoring physiological conditions in uterus.

Control of adipogenesis by oxylipins, GPCRs and PPARs

Oxylipins are bioactive metabolites derived from the oxygenation of ω3 and ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, triggered essentially by cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase activities. Oxylipins are involved in the development and function of adipose tissue and their productions are strictly related to diet quality and quantity. Oxylipins signal via cell surface membrane (G Protein-coupled receptors) and nuclear receptors (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors), two pathways playing a pivotal role in adipocyte biology. In this review, we made an attempt to cover the available knowledge about synthesis and molecular function of oxylipins known to modulate adipogenesis, adipocyte function and phenotype conversion, with a focus on their interaction with peroxisome proliferator-activated nuclear receptor family.

Zileuton, a new efficient and safe systemic anti-acne drug

Tissue inflammation is a major component of the acne process. Leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) is considered to be a major player in the development of tissue inflammation. Synthesis of LTB(4) is controlled by the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase. Since Zileuton blocks the activity of 5-lipoxygenase, experimental and clinical studies have been conducted to test mode of function, as well as efficacy and safety of this compound in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Human SZ95 sebocytes and inflammatory cells in vitro express the enzymes of the leukotriene pathway at mRNA and protein levels and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of LTB(4) are activated in sebaceous glands of acne lesions. Pre-treatment of SZ95 sebocytes with Zileuton partially prevented short-term arachidonic acid-induced effects, such as induction of LTB(4), increase of neutral lipid content and stimulation of interlekin-6 release. Long-term treatment with Zileuton directly reduced the content of neutral lipids and interleukin-6 release from SZ95 seb ocytes. PPAR mRNA levels were not regulated by Zileuton. In a first pilot clinical study with 10 patients with papulopustular acne Zileuton 4 x 600 mg/d p.o. for 3 months decreased the acne severity index in a time-dependent manner being 41% of the initial score at week 12 (p < 0.05). This was mostly due to a decrease of the number of inflammatory lesions of 29% (p < 0.01). In addition, total sebum lipids significantly decreased (35%, p < 0.05) and the pro-inflammatory free fatty acids (22%) and lipoperoxides (26%) were markedly diminished in patients' sebum under treatment. The magnitude of clinical improvement strongly correlated with the reduction of total sebum lipids (p = 0.0009, r(2) = 0.81) and free fatty acids (p = 0.0003, r(2) = 0.82). In a further study, a 40-year-old female with mild disseminated sebaceous gland hyperplasia and seborrhea, responded with normalization of the casual skin surface lipids and similar reduction of facial sebum synthesis under treatment with Zileuton over 2weeks and-after a wash-out phase-low-dose isotretinoin (10 mg/2nd d) over 5 weeks. These data are in agreement with a phase II multicenter, clinical study in 101 patients with mild to moderate inflammatory facial acne conducted in the US, which showed a significant efficacy of Zileuton in a subset of patients with moderate acne, whereas those patients treated with Zileuton showed a significant mean decrease in inflammatory lesions compared to the placebo group. In all clinical studies, Zileuton was found to be safe and well tolerated.

Comprehensive analysis of PPARalpha-dependent regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism by expression profiling

PPARα is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in the regulation of nutrient metabolism and inflammation. Although much is already known about the function of PPARα in hepatic lipid metabolism, many PPARα-dependent pathways and genes have yet to be discovered. In order to obtain an overview of PPARα-regulated genes relevant to lipid metabolism, and to probe for novel candidate PPARα target genes, livers from several animal studies in which PPARα was activated and/or disabled were analyzed by Affymetrix GeneChips. Numerous novel PPARα-regulated genes relevant to lipid metabolism were identified. Out of this set of genes, eight genes were singled out for study of PPARα-dependent regulation in mouse liver and in mouse, rat, and human primary hepatocytes, including thioredoxin interacting protein (Txnip), electron-transferring-flavoprotein β polypeptide (Etfb), electron-transferring-flavoprotein dehydrogenase (Etfdh), phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (Pctp), endothelial lipase (EL, Lipg), adipose triglyceride lipase (Pnpla2), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL, Lipe), and monoglyceride lipase (Mgll). Using an in silico screening approach, one or more PPAR response elements (PPREs) were identified in each of these genes. Regulation of Pnpla2, Lipe, and Mgll, which are involved in triglyceride hydrolysis, was studied under conditions of elevated hepatic lipids. In wild-type mice fed a high fat diet, the decrease in hepatic lipids following treatment with the PPARα agonist Wy14643 was paralleled by significant up-regulation of Pnpla2, Lipe, and Mgll, suggesting that induction of triglyceride hydrolysis may contribute to the anti-steatotic role of PPARα. Our study illustrates the power of transcriptional profiling to uncover novel PPARα-regulated genes and pathways in liver.

Biosynthesis of leukotriene B4 in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: regulation by cholesterol and other lipids

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is one of the most potent chemotactic compounds produced in macrophages and neutrophils. LTB4 is a product of arachidonic acid oxygenation by 5-lipoxygenase pathway. We present here the data on regulation of LT synthesis in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes by cholesterol, cholesterol sulfate and cholesterol phosphate. The addition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with lipid vesicles containing phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (70:30) showed that omitting cholesterol abolished the effect of LPS on LT synthesis. We show here the capacity of cholesterol sulfate, the most abundant sulfated sterol in human blood, to suppress LT production in human neutrophils and to neutralize the effect of P. aeruginosa LPS on LT synthesis. We suggest that sulfated lipids serve as specific endogenous regulators of LT synthesis in neutrophils, and anti-inflammatory therapy may be based on modification of cholesterol level and its conversion to anionic derivatives.

Regulatory effects of arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase on hepatic microsomal TG transfer protein activity and VLDL-triglyceride and apoB secretion in obese mice

As 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) is an emerging target in obesity and insulin resistance, we have investigated whether this arachidonate pathway is also implicated in the progression of obesity-related fatty liver disease. Our results show that 5-LO activity and 5-LO-derived product levels are significantly elevated in the liver of obese ob/ob mice with respect to wild-type controls. Treatment of ob/ob mice with a selective 5-LO inhibitor exerted a remarkable protection from hepatic steatosis as revealed by decreased oil red-O staining and reduced hepatic triglyceride (TG) concentrations. In addition, 5-LO inhibition in ob/ob mice downregulated genes involved in hepatic fatty acid uptake (i.e., L-FABP and FAT/CD36) and normalized peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) and acyl-CoA oxidase expression, whereas the expression of lipogenic genes [i.e., fatty acid synthase (FASN) and SREBP-1c] remained unaltered. Furthermore, 5-LO inhibition restored hepatic microsomal TG transfer protein (MTP) activity in parallel with a stimulation of hepatic VLDL-TG and apoB secretion in ob/ob mice. Consistent with these findings, 5-LO products directly inhibited MTP activity and triggered cytosolic TG accumulation in CC-1 cells, a murine hepatocyte cell line. Taken together, these findings identify a novel steatogenic role for 5-LO in the liver through mechanisms involving the regulation of hepatic MTP activity and VLDL-TG and apoB secretion.

Leukotriene B4 receptor antagonists as therapeutics for inflammatory disease: preclinical and clinical developments

Leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) is a lipid inflammatory mediator derived from membrane phospholipids by the sequential actions of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (PLA2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and leukotriene A(4) (LTA(4)) hydrolase. Several inflammatory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, have been associated with elevated levels of LTB(4). As a result, pharmacological strategies to modulate the synthesis of LTB(4) (inhibition of PLA2, 5-LO or LTA(4) hydrolase) or the effects of LTB(4) itself (antagonism of LTB(4) receptors) are being developed by several companies. Two G-protein-coupled receptors mediate the effects of LTB(4), namely BLT1 and BLT2. The pharmacology, expression and function of these two receptors were last reviewed by Tager and Luster in 2004. Since then, there has been an increased understanding of the function of these receptors, in particular for the lesser understood of the two receptors, BLT2. Furthermore, since last reviewed in 1996, there have been several clinical developments in the use of BLT receptor antagonists for inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes the latest preclinical and clinical developments in BLT antagonism for inflammatory diseases and discusses potential future developments.

Preparation of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-5-methoxybenzo[b]furan derivatives and their leukotriene B4 inhibitory activity

A series of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)benzo[b]furan derivatives 6-10 were prepared and their leukotriene B(4) inhibitory activity was evaluated. We found that several compounds showed strong inhibition of calcium mobilization in CHO cells overexpressing human BLT(1) and BLT(2) receptors. Among them, 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[5-formyl-2-[(dimethylamino)methyleneamino]thiazol-4-yl]-5-methoxybenzo[b]furan 9b showed the most potent and selective inhibition for the human BLT(2) receptor, and its IC(50) value was smaller than that of the selected positive control compound, ZK-158252.

Synthesis of 2-, 4- and 5-(2-Alkylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)-7-alkyloxybenzo[b]furans and their Leukotriene B4 Receptor Antagonistic Activity

Variable 7-carboxylpropoxy or (1-phenyl)ethoxybenzo[b]furan derivatives with (E)- and (Z)-2-alkylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl groups at the 2-, 4-, and 5-positions were prepared to find novel and selective leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) receptor antagonists. (E)-2-(2-Diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)-7-(1-phenylethoxy)benzo[b]furan (4v) showed selective inhibition of the human BLT(2) receptor (hBLT(2)). On the other hand, (E)-2-acetyl-4-(2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)-7-(1-phenylethoxy)benzo[b]furan (7c) inhibited both human BLT(1) receptor (hBLT(1)) and hBLT(2). The (E)-2-(2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl) group lay on approximately the same plane as the benzo[b]furan ring, whereas the (E)-4-(2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl) group had a torsion angle (45.7 degrees ) from the benzo[b]furan ring plane. However, the (Z)-(2-alkylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)benzo[b]furans were inactive. The inhibitory activity depended on the conformation of the 2-alkylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl groups.

Synthesis of 2-, 4- and 5-(2-alkylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)-7-alkyloxybenzo[b]furans and their leukotriene B4 receptor antagonistic activity

Variable benzo[b]furan derivatives having (E)- and (Z)-2-alkylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl groups at the 2-, 4- and 5-positions and a carboxylpropoxy or (1-phenyl)ethoxy group at the 7-position were prepared to find novel and selective leukotriene B4(LTB4) receptor antagonists. (E)-2-(2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)-7-(1-phenylethoxy)benzo[b]furan (4v) showed selective inhibition to the human BLT2 receptor (hBLT2). On the other hand, (E)-2-acetyl-4-(2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)-7-(1-phenylethoxy)benzo[b]furan (7v) inhibited both human BLT(1) receptor (hBLT1) and hBLT2. The (E)-2-(2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl) group lay on approximately the same plane as the benzo[b]furan ring, whereas the (E)-4-(2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl) group had the torsion angle (45.7 degree) from the benzo[b]furan ring plane. However, the (Z)-(2-alkylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)benzo[b]furans were inactive. The inhibitory activity depended on the conformation of the 2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl group.

The quest for new cysteinyl-leukotriene and lipoxin receptors: recent clues

The metabolism of arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase enzymatic pathway leads to the formation of the cysteinyl-leukotrienes and lipoxins, which have been implicated in several inflammatory reactions. While these lipid mediators are responsible for a variety of effects, their actions occur through the activation of 3 specific types of cloned receptors (i.e., CysLT(1), CysLT(2), and ALX). Although receptor activation can explain several biological actions associated with the mediators, there is some evidence to suggest that not all responses fit the well-known characteristics of these cloned receptors. Other receptor subtypes may also exist. Interestingly, the indirect evidence for support of this observation is principally derived from work performed on either blood elements and/or vascular smooth muscle. Because the initiating events associated with inflammation are essentially of vascular origin, further work at the molecular level may be necessary to confirm the data, which do not fit the well-known CysLT and ALX receptor profiles.

Nuclear prostaglandin receptors: role in pregnancy and parturition?

The key regulatory role of prostanoids [prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxanes (TXs)] in the maintenance of pregnancy and initiation of parturition has been established. However, our understanding of how these events are fine-tuned by the recruitment of specific signaling pathways remains unclear. Whereas, initial thoughts were that PGs were lipophilic and would easily cross cell membranes without specific receptors or transport processes, it has since been realized that PG signaling occurs via specific cell surface G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) coupled to classical adenylate cyclase or inositol phosphate signaling pathways. Furthermore, specific PG transporters have been identified and cloned adding a further level of complexity to the regulation of paracrine action of these potent bioactive molecules. It is now apparent that PGs also activate nuclear receptors, opening the possibility of novel intracrine signaling mechanisms. The existence of intracrine signaling pathways is further supported by accumulating evidence linking the perinuclear localization of PG synthesizing enzymes with intracellular PG synthesis. This review will focus on the evidence for a role of nuclear actions of PGs in the regulation of pregnancy and parturition.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and the cardiovascular system

Insulin resistance syndrome (also called syndrome X) includes obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia and is a complex phenotype of metabolic abnormalities. The disorder poses a major public health problem by predisposing individuals to coronary heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of mortality in Western countries. Given that hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity exhibit a substantial heritable component, it is postulated that certain genes may predispose some individuals to this cluster of cardiovascular risk factors. Emerging data suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), including alpha, gamma, and delta, are important determinants that may provide a functional link between obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. It has been well documented that hypolipidemic fibrates and antidiabetic thiazolidinediones are synthetic ligands for PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma, respectively. In addition, PPAR natural ligands, such as leukotriene B4 for PPAR alpha, 15-deoxy-delta 12,14-prostaglandin J2 for PPAR gamma, and prostacyclin for PPAR delta, are known to be eicosanoids and fatty acids. Studies have documented that PPARs are present in all critical vascular cells: endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and monocyte-macrophages. These observations suggest that PPARs not only control lipid metabolism but also regulate vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. In this review, we present structure and tissue distribution of PPAR nuclear receptors, discuss the mechanisms of action and regulation, and summarize the rapid progress made in this area of study and its impact on the cardiovascular system.

Ex-vivo regulation of endotoxin-induced tissue factor in whole blood by eicosanoids

The influence of several eicosanoids of the lipoxygenase pathway was examined in an ex vivo system of human whole blood subjected to stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Exogenously added leukotriene B4 [5(S),12(R)-dihydroxy-6,14-cis-8,10-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid (LTB4)] or 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)-HETE) significantly (P<0.05) enhanced LPS-evoked expression of monocyte tissue factor (TF) activity in a concentration-dependent manner. 15(S)-HETE, on the other hand, exerted such activity only when added at certain concentrations, whereas 5(S)-HETE was devoid of any apparent activity. LPS-induced TF activity was inhibited by the lipoxygenase inhibitors nordihydroguaiaretic acid, CGS 23885 and ZM 230487, by 59, 32 and 88%, respectively. Furthermore, the production of LTB4 in LPS-stimulated whole blood was investigated, in the absence or presence of either tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) or phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). LPS alone induced a moderate time-dependent and concentration-dependent release of LTB4, reaching the maximum concentration (1260 +/- 202 pg/ml) within 90 min at 5 ng/ml LPS. The prior and concurrent presence of PMA (5 ng/ml) or TNFalpha (10 ng/ml) further enhanced the LTB4 production approximately twofold (P < 0.05). TNFalpha added alone evoked approximately twice the LTB4 production seen when LPS (2200 +/- 243 versus 1260 +/- 203 pg/ml) was added alone. Considering these results, LPS and TNFalpha emerge as important agonists of LTB4 production in whole blood. LTB4 in turn appears to be of importance for the expression of TF in monocytes, potentially amplifying the thrombogenic potential of these cells.

An aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4 stable analog displays a unique topical anti-inflammatory profile

Lipoxins and 15-epi-lipoxins are counter-regulatory lipid mediators that modulate leukocyte trafficking and promote the resolution of inflammation. To assess the potential of lipoxins as novel anti-inflammatory agents, a stable 15-epi-lipoxin A(4) analog, 15-epi-16-p-fluorophenoxy-lipoxin A(4) methyl ester (ATLa), was synthesized by total organic synthesis and examined for efficacy relative to a potent leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) receptor antagonist (LTB(4)R-Ant) and the clinically used topical glucocorticoid methylprednisolone aceponate. In vitro, ATLa was 100-fold more potent than LTB(4)R-Ant for inhibiting neutrophil chemotaxis and trans-epithelial cell migration induced by fMLP, but was approximately 10-fold less potent than the LTB(4)R-Ant in blocking responses to LTB(4). A broad panel of cutaneous inflammation models that display pathological aspects of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis was used to directly compare the topical efficacy of ATLa with that of LTB(4)R-Ant and methylprednisolone aceponate. ATLa was efficacious in all models tested: LTB(4)/Iloprost-, calcium ionophore-, croton oil-, and mezerein-induced inflammation and trimellitic anhydride-induced allergic delayed-type hypersensitivity. ATLa was efficacious in mouse and guinea pig skin inflammation models, exhibiting dose-dependent effects on edema, neutrophil or eosinophil infiltration, and epidermal hyperproliferation. We conclude that the LXA(4) and aspirin-triggered LXA(4) pathways play key anti-inflammatory roles in vivo. Moreover, these results suggest that ATLa and related LXA(4) analogs may have broad therapeutic potential in inflammatory disorders and could provide an alternative to corticosteroids in certain clinical settings.

5-lipoxygenase inhibitors for the treatment of COPD

The potential for leukotrienes as mediators to target in the development of novel therapies for diseases such as COPD is underscored by their inflammatory behavior and the capacity of leukotriene receptor antagonists and synthesis inhibitors to reduce inflammatory responses when administered in vivo. Airway neutrophilia in COPD patients is believed to be a contributing source of inflammation and is associated with airway remodeling. The presence of neutrophils is mediated in part by leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), and the capacity for LTB(4) alone to replicate many aspects of neutrophilic inflammation has provided the focus of drug development toward its specific antagonism. More recently, the potential involvement of the monocyte-macrophage lineage in the etiology of COPD has received growing attention as a target for leukotriene inhibition. The future avenues for exploration of leukotriene inhibition could have been expanded by the realization that 5-lipoxygenase activity is primarily located at the nuclear membrane and the existence of differing cell surface and nuclear receptors to LTB(4). The success of compounds under development in this and other anti-inflammatory classes, however, depends as much on the evolution of clinical studies designed to test the "proof of concept" in efficacy through the examination of surrogate markers or physiologic readouts of changes in lung function.

Leukotriene B(4) stimulates Rac-ERK cascade to generate reactive oxygen species that mediates chemotaxis

Leukotriene B(4) is a potent chemoattractant known to be involved mainly in inflammation, immune responses, and host defense against infection, although the exact signaling mechanisms by which it exerts its effects are not well understood. Here we show that exogenous leukotriene B(4) induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via a Rac-dependent pathway, and that stable expression of Rac(N17), a dominant negative Rac1 mutant, completely blocks leukotriene B(4)-induced ROS generation. In addition, leukotriene B(4)-induced ROS generation is selectively blocked by inhibition of ERK or cytosolic phospholipase A(2), but not p38 kinase, which is indicative of its dependence on ERK activation and synthesis of arachidonic acid. Consistent with those findings, leukotriene B(4) Rac-dependently stimulates ERK and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) activity, and transient transfection with plasmid expressing Rac(V12), a constitutively activated Rac1 mutant, also dose-dependently stimulates ERK activity. Our findings suggest that ERK and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) are situated downstream of Rac, and we conclude that Rac, ERK, and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) all play pivotal roles in mediating the ROS generation that appears to be a prerequisite for leukotriene B(4)-induced chemotaxis and cell proliferation.

Deficiency of 5-lipoxygenase accelerates renal allograft rejection in mice

Acute renal allograft rejection is associated with alterations in renal arachidonic acid metabolism, including enhanced synthesis of leukotrienes (LTs). LTs, the products of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway, are potent lipid mediators with a broad range of biologic activities. Previous studies, using pharmacological agents to inhibit LT synthesis or activity, have implicated these eicosanoids in transplant rejection. To further investigate the role of LTs in acute graft rejection, we transplanted kidneys from CByD2F1 mice into fully allogeneic 129 mice that carry a targeted mutation in the 5lo gene. Unexpectedly, allograft rejection was significantly accelerated in 5-LO-deficient mice compared with wild-type animals. Despite the marked reduction in graft survival, the 5lo mutation had no effect on the hemodynamics or morphology of the allografts. Although LTB4 levels were reduced, renal thromboxane B2 production and cytokine expression were not altered in 5-LO-deficient allograft recipients. These findings suggest that, along with their proinflammatory actions, metabolites of 5-LO can act to enhance allograft survival.

Immunohistochemical localization of guinea-pig leukotriene B4 12-hydroxydehydrogenase/15-ketoprostaglandin 13-reductase

We have cloned cDNA for leukotriene B4 12-hydroxydehydrogenase (LTB4 12-HD)/15-ketoprostaglandin 13-reductase (PGR) from guinea-pig liver. LTB4 12-HD catalyzes the conversion of LTB4 into 12-keto-LTB4 in the presence of NADP+, and plays an important role in inactivating LTB4. The cDNA contained an ORF of 987 bp that encodes a protein of 329 amino-acid residues with a 78% identity with porcine LTB4 12-HD. The amino acids in the putative NAD+/NADP+ binding domain are well conserved among the pig, guinea-pig, human, rat, and rabbit enzymes. The guinea-pig LTB4 12-HD (gpLTB4 12-HD) was expressed as a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein in Escherichia coli, which exhibited similar enzyme activities to porcine LTB4 12-HD. We examined the 15-ketoprostaglandin 13-reductase (PGR) activity of recombinant gpLTB4 12-HD, and confirmed that the Kcat of the PGR activity is higher than that of LTB4 12-HD activity by 200-fold. Northern and Western blot analyses revealed that gpLTB4 12-HD/PGR is widely expressed in guinea-pig tissues such as liver, kidney, small intestine, spleen, and stomach. We carried out immunohistochemical analyses of this enzyme in various guinea-pig tissues. Epithelial cells of calyx and collecting tubules in kidney, epithelial cells of airway, alveoli, epithelial cells in small intestine and stomach, and hepatocytes were found to express the enzyme. These findings will lead to the identification of the unrevealed roles of PGs and LTs in these tissues.

Inhibition of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)alpha by MK886

Although MK886 was originally identified as an inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP), recent data demonstrate that this activity does not underlie its ability to induce apoptosis [Datta, Biswal and Kehrer (1999) Biochem. J. 340, 371--375]. Since FLAP is a fatty-acid binding protein, it is conceivable that MK886 may affect other such proteins. A family of nuclear receptors that are activated by fatty acids and their metabolites, the peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), have been implicated in apoptosis and may represent a target for MK886. The ability of MK886 to inhibit PPAR-alpha, -beta and -gamma activity was assessed using reporter assay systems (peroxisome-proliferator response element--luciferase). Using a transient transfection system in monkey kidney fibroblast CV-1 cells, mouse keratinocyte 308 cells and human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, 10--20 microM MK886 inhibited Wy14,643 activation of PPAR alpha by approximately 80%. Similar inhibition of PPAR alpha by MK886 was observed with a stable transfection reporter system in CV-1 cells. Only minimal inhibitory effects were seen on PPAR beta and PPAR gamma. MK886 inhibited PPAR alpha by a non-competitive mechanism as shown by its effects on the binding of arachidonic acid to PPAR alpha protein, and a dose-response study using a transient transfection reporter assay in COS-1 cells. An assay assessing PPAR ligand-receptor interactions showed that MK886 prevents the conformational change necessary for active-complex formation. The expression of keratin-1, a protein encoded by a PPAR alpha-responsive gene, was reduced by MK886 in a culture of mouse primary keratinocytes, suggesting that PPAR inhibition has functional consequences in normal cells. Although Jurkat cells express all PPAR isoforms, various PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma agonists were unable to prevent MK886-induced apoptosis. This is consistent with MK886 functioning as a non-competitive inhibitor of PPAR alpha, but may also indicate that PPAR alpha is not directly involved in MK886-induced apoptosis. Although numerous PPAR activators have been identified, the results show that MK886 can inhibit PPAR alpha, making it the first compound identified to have such an effect.

Leukotriene B4: metabolism and signal transduction

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is known as one of the most potent chemoattractants and activators of leukocytes and is involved in inflammatory diseases. Enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of LTB4 have been cloned, and their properties are well understood. Two G-protein-coupled receptors (BLT1 and BLT2) have been cloned and characterized. BLT1 and BLT2 are high- and low-affinity LTB4 receptors, respectively, and form a gene cluster in human and mouse. In this article recent findings on the metabolism of and the receptors for LTB4 are reviewed. We also discuss briefly a coreceptor role of BLT in HIV infection, and ion channel modification by LTB4.

Role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase in chemoattractant and LPS delay of constitutive neutrophil apoptosis

The present study examined the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-stimulated Akt (PI-3K/Akt) in the regulation of constitutive human neutrophil apoptosis by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and two chemoattractants, fMLP and leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)). LPS and LTB(4) inhibited apoptosis, while fMLP had no effect. Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) with PD098059 significantly inhibited the anti-apoptotic effect of both LPS and LTB(4), while inhibition of p38 kinase with SB203580 had no effect. Inhibition of PI-3K with wortmannin and LY294002 significantly attenuated the anti-apoptotic effect of LTB(4), but not LPS. LPS, fMLP, and LTB(4) stimulated similar levels of ERK and Akt activation. LTB(4) and LPS inhibited neutrophil apoptosis when added simultaneously with fMLP, and LTB(4) and LPS demonstrated an additive effect. We conclude that the ERK and/or PI-3K/Akt pathways are necessary, but not sufficient, for LPS and LTB(4) to delay apoptosis, but other anti-apoptotic pathways remain to be identified.

A second leukotriene B(4) receptor, BLT2. A new therapeutic target in inflammation and immunological disorders

Leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) is a potent chemoattractant and activator of both granulocytes and macrophages. The actions of LTB(4) appear to be mediated by a specific G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) BLT1, originally termed BLT (Yokomizo, T., T. Izumi, K. Chang, Y. Takuwa, and T. Shimizu. 1997. Nature. 387:620-624). Here, we report the molecular cloning of a novel GPCR for LTB(4), designated BLT2, which binds LTB(4) with a Kd value of 23 nM compared with 1.1 nM for BLT1, but still efficiently transduces intracellular signaling. BLT2 is highly homologous to BLT1, with an amino acid identity of 45.2%, and its open reading frame is located in the promoter region of the BLT1 gene. BLT2 is expressed ubiquitously, in contrast to BLT1, which is expressed predominantly in leukocytes. Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing BLT2 exhibit LTB(4)-induced chemotaxis, calcium mobilization, and pertussis toxin-insensitive inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Several BLT1 antagonists, including U 75302, failed to inhibit LTB(4) binding to BLT2. Thus, BLT2 is a pharmacologically distinct receptor for LTB(4), and may mediate cellular functions in tissues other than leukocytes. BLT2 provides a novel target for antiinflammatory therapy and promises to expand our knowledge of LTB(4) function. The location of the gene suggests shared transcriptional regulation of these two receptors.

Meeting report; "Molecular neurobiological mechanisms in schizophrenia: seeking a synthesis," April 11-14, 1999

A meeting on the molecular and neurobiological basis of schizophrenia was held April 11-14, 1999 at the Banbury Center of The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York. This report is a summary of the predominant views of the participants, as perceived by the organizers. The purpose of this meeting was integrative-to bring together in a relaxed environment three dozen outstanding scientists in disparate underlying disciplines: psychiatry, psychology, genetics, neurobiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology. Brief talks emphasized concepts and questions rather than presentation of data. Exchanges of information and concepts provided an emerging synthesis of current and novel, even highly speculative, ideas. The reader is cautioned that the ideas, data supporting them, and data interpretations are not critiqued in this report. Nor is there much distinction made between speculations and findings that have more experimental support. The main questions and conclusions that emerged are presented in this report, which covers the following: 1) macrobiology (what schizophrenia is in terms of definition and improved diagnostics, genetics and environment, brain structure, development, and mind), 2) cell and molecular biology (defects of the expressed disease at both the membrane and nuclear levels, molecular defects of development, neuroreceptor genes and transcriptional control, and ligands), 3) therapies (current approaches, possible targets, and animal models), and 4) newer approaches (gene expression, early treatment and prevention strategies, and other problems). Two references per participant and abstracts (available from the organizers) served as a common basis.

High density lipoprotein, apolipoprotein A-I, and coronary artery disease

High density lipoproteins (HDL), one of the main lipoprotein particles circulating in plasma, is involved in the reverse cholesterol transport. Several lines of evidence suggest that elevated levels of HDL is protective against coronary heart disease. The role of HDL in the removal of body cholesterol and in the regression of atherosclerosis add to the importance of understanding the molecular-cellular processes that determine plasma levels of HDL. Factors modulating plasma levels of HDL may have influence on the predisposition of an individual to premature coronary artery disease. Apolipoprotein (apo) A-I is the main apolipoprotein component of HDL and, to a large extent, sets the plasma levels of HDL. Thus, understanding the regulation of apoA-I gene expression may provide clues to raise plasma levels of HDL. This review discusses the various pathways that alter plasma levels of HDL. Since apoA-I is the main protein component of HDL and determines the plasma levels of HDL, this review also covers the regulation of apoA-I gene expression.

Roles of PPARs in health and disease

In developed societies, chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis and cancer are responsible for most deaths. These ailments have complex causes involving genetic, environmental and nutritional factors. There is evidence that a group of closely related nuclear receptors, called peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), may be involved in these diseases. This, together with the fact that PPAR activity can be modulated by drugs such as thiazolidinediones and fibrates, has instigated a huge research effort into PPARs. Here we present the latest developments in the PPAR field, with particular emphasis on the physiological function of PPARs during various nutritional states, and the possible role of PPARs in several chronic diseases.