Cytochrome P450 arachidonic acid omega-hydroxylation in the proximal tubule of the rat kidney

The CYP/20-HETE/GPR75 axis in hypertension

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) is a bioactive lipid generated from the ω-hydroxylation of arachidonic acid (AA) by enzymes of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family, primarily the CYP4A and CYP4F subfamilies. 20-HETE is most notably identified as a modulator of vascular tone, regulator of renal function, and a contributor to the onset and development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. 20-HETE-mediated signaling promotes hypertension by sensitizing the vasculature to constrictor stimuli, inducing endothelial dysfunction, and potentiating vascular inflammation. These bioactions are driven by the activation of the G-protein coupled receptor 75 (GPR75), a 20-HETE receptor (20HR). Given the capacity of 20-HETE signaling to drive pro-hypertensive mechanisms, the CYP/20-HETE/GPR75 axis has the potential to be a significant therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases associated with increases in blood pressure. In this chapter, we review 20-HETE-mediated cellular mechanisms that promote hypertension, highlight important data in humans such as genetic variants in the CYP genes that potentiate 20-HETE production and describe recent findings in humans with 20HR/GPR75 mutations. Special emphasis is given to the 20HR and respective receptor blockers that have the potential to pave a path to translational and clinical studies for the treatment of 20-HETE-driven hypertension, and obesity/metabolic syndrome.

Clinical Implications of 20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid in the Kidney, Liver, Lung and Brain: An Emerging Therapeutic Target

Cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) is an important pathway for the formation of eicosanoids. The ω-hydroxylation of AA generates significant levels of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) in various tissues. In the current review, we discussed the role of 20-HETE in the kidney, liver, lung, and brain during physiological and pathophysiological states. Moreover, we discussed the role of 20-HETE in tumor formation, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. In the kidney, 20-HETE is involved in modulation of preglomerular vascular tone and tubular ion transport. Furthermore, 20-HETE is involved in renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and polycystic kidney diseases. The role of 20-HETE in the liver is not clearly understood although it represents 50%-75% of liver CYP-dependent AA metabolism, and it is associated with liver cirrhotic ascites. In the respiratory system, 20-HETE plays a role in pulmonary cell survival, pulmonary vascular tone and tone of the airways. As for the brain, 20-HETE is involved in cerebral I/R injury. Moreover, 20-HETE has angiogenic and mitogenic properties and thus helps in tumor promotion. Several inhibitors and inducers of the synthesis of 20-HETE as well as 20-HETE analogues and antagonists are recently available and could be promising therapeutic options for the treatment of many disease states in the future.

CYP4V2 in Bietti's crystalline dystrophy: ocular localization, metabolism of ω-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids, and functional deficit of the p.H331P variant

Bietti's crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy (BCD) is a recessive degenerative eye disease caused by germline mutations in the CYP4V2 gene. More than 80% of mutant alleles consist of three mutations, that is, two splice-site alterations and one missense mutation, c.992C>A, which translates to p.H331P. In the present study, we analyzed the expression of CYP4 family members in human tissues and conducted functional studies with the wild-type and p.H331P enzymes, to elucidate the link between CYP4V2 activity and BCD. Expression analysis of 17 CYP1 to CYP4 genes showed CYP4V2 to be a major cytochrome P450 in ARPE-19 cells (a human cell line spontaneously generated from normal human retinal pigmented epithelium) and the only detectable CYP4 transcript. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that CYP4V2 protein was present in epithelial cells of the retina and cornea and the enzyme was localized to endoplasmic reticulum. Recombinant reconstituted CYP4V2 protein metabolized eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (an important constituent of the retina) to their respective ω-hydroxylated products at rates similar to those observed with purified CYP4F2, which is an established hepatic polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) hydroxylase. The disease-associated p.H331P variant was undetectable in Western blot analyses of HepG2 cells stably transduced with lentiviral expression vectors. Finally, overexpression of functional CYP4V2 in HepG2 cells altered lipid homeostasis. We demonstrated that CYP4V2 protein is expressed at high levels in ocular target tissues of BCD, that the enzyme is metabolically active toward PUFAs, and that the functional deficit among patients with BCD who carry the H331P variant is most likely a consequence of the instability of the mutant protein.

Arachidonic acid inhibits Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase via cytochrome P-450, lipoxygenase and protein kinase C-dependent pathways in sheep pulmonary artery

The purpose of the study was to examine whether arachidonic acid inhibits vascular Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in pulmonary vasculature and if so, what are the mechanisms involved. Functional Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity was studied in terms of K(+)-induced relaxation in sheep pulmonary arterial rings contracted with K(+)-free solution and 5-HT. Arachidonic acid (10-100 μM) caused concentration-dependent inhibition of KCl-induced relaxations and also increased basal arterial tone. Cytochrome P-450 inhibitor, 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA) completely reversed the arachidonic acid (30 μM)-induced inhibition of KCl relaxation. Further, in the presence of HET0016, a selective blocker of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), arachidonic acid-induced inhibition of KCl relaxation was not evident. Accordingly, 20-HETE, a cytochrome P-450 metabolite of arachidonic acid, also significantly attenuated KCl-induced relaxations. Norhydihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a lipoxygenase inhibitor, however, partially restored the relaxation to K(+), impaired in the presence of arachidonic acid (30 μM). On the other hand, cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin failed to reverse the inhibitory effect of arachidonic acid on KCl-induced relaxation. Staurosporin, a protein kinase C inhibitor, completely reversed the inhibitory effect of arachidonic acid and 20-HETE on K(+)-induced relaxation. In conclusion, the results suggest that 20-HETE, a cytochrome P-450 metabolite of arachidonic acid has a predominant role in the inhibition of functional Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in the sheep pulmonary artery, while the lipooxygenase pathway has a secondary role. It is also evident that protein kinase C is involved in the inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase by arachidonic acid/20-HETE in sheep pulmonary artery.

How do glucocorticoids cause hypertension: role of nitric oxide deficiency, oxidative stress, and eicosanoids

The exact mechanism by which glucocorticoid induces hypertension is unclear. Several mechanisms have been proposed, although there is evidence against the role of sodium and water retention as well as sympathetic nerve activation. This review highlights the role of nitric oxide-redox imbalance and their interactions with arachidonic acid metabolism in glucocorticoid-induced hypertension in humans and experimental animal models.

Identification of human dopamine receptors agonists from Chinese herbs

AIM

To find human dopamine receptors, especially D1-like receptor specific agonists from Chinese herbs as potential antihypertension drug leads.

METHODS

Two D1-like receptor cell lines carrying a beta-lactamase reporter gene, and a D2 receptor cell line coexpressing a promiscuous G protein G15 were constructed using HEK293 cells. A natural compound library made from fractionated samples of herbal extracts was used for high-throughput screening (HTS) against one of the cell lines, HEK/D5R/CRE-blax. The interested hits were evaluated for their activities against various dopamine receptors.

RESULTS

Fourteen hits were identified from primary screening, of which 2 of the better hit samples, HD0522 and HD0059, were selected for further material and activity analysis, and to obtain 2 compounds that appeared as 2 single peaks in HPLC, HD0522H01 and HD0059H01. HD0059H01 could activate D1, D2, and D5 receptors, with EC(50 ) values of 2.28 microg/mL, 0.85 microg/mL, and 1.41 microg/mL, respectively. HD0522H01 could only activate D1R and D5R with EC(50 ) values of 2.95 microg/mL and 8.38 microg/mL.

CONCLUSION

We established cellbased assays for 3 different human dopamine receptors and identified specific agonists HD0522H01 and HD0059H01 through HTS. The specific agonist to D1-like receptors, HD0522H01, may become a new natural product-based drug lead for antihypertension treatment.

Renal localization, expression, and developmental regulation of P450 4F cytochromes in three substrains of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Cytochrome P450 4F isoforms have been shown to metabolize arachidonic acid to generate 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), a potent eicosanoid that modulates vascular tone and renal tubular function. 20-HETE production in the kidney is implicated in the development of essential hypertension in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). In this study, we determined CYP4F mRNA localization and distribution in rat liver and kidney by in situ hybridization and real time quantitative PCR. CYP4Fs are regionally distributed in the kidney with CYP4F1, 4F4, and 4F5 being expressed more in the renal cortex than medulla while CYP4F6 shows higher medullary expression. We investigated developmental CYP4F gene expression in three different substrains of SHR. Distinct age-dependent patterns of expression were seen for individual CYP4F isoforms in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and three SHR substrains (B2, C, and A3). A steady increase in CYP4F1 expression with age was seen in each of the three substrains which correlate well with increased 20-HETE levels and elevated blood pressure seen in these animals. CYP4F4 expression increased significantly at 8 weeks followed by a precipitous fall in WKY and A3 strains at 12 weeks of age. In strains B2 and C, CYP4F4 levels started declining as early as 8 weeks of age. CYP4F5 and 4F6 levels fluctuated with age in a biphasic manner with a different profile for each sub-strain. Based on the expression profile and catalytic activity, CYP4F1 seems to be the most critical 4F isoform involved in the production of 20-HETE in the SHR kidney.

Regulation and inhibition of arachidonic acid omega-hydroxylases and 20-HETE formation

Cytochrome P450-catalyzed metabolism of arachidonic acid is an important pathway for the formation of paracrine and autocrine mediators of numerous biological effects. The omega-hydroxylation of arachidonic acid generates significant levels of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) in numerous tissues, particularly the vasculature and kidney tubules. Members of the cytochrome P450 4A and 4F families are the major omega-hydroxylases, and the substrate selectivity and regulation of these enzymes has been the subject of numerous studies. Altered expression and function of arachidonic acid omega-hydroxylases in models of hypertension, diabetes, inflammation, and pregnancy suggest that 20-HETE may be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Our understanding of the biological significance of 20-HETE has been greatly aided by the development and characterization of selective and potent inhibitors of the arachidonic acid omega-hydroxylases. This review discusses the substrate selectivity and expression of arachidonic acid omega-hydroxylases, regulation of these enzymes during disease, and the application of enzyme inhibitors to study 20-HETE function.

Protective effect of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) on glomerular protein permeability barrier

BACKGROUND

Proteinuria is a significant problem in medicine today, although glomerular events underlying it are unknown. Products of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism are increasingly recognized as playing major roles in renal function. We used in vitro albumin permeability (P(alb)) as a measure of injury and puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) as an injurious agent to test the hypothesis that 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) protects the glomerular filtration barrier from increased P(alb).

METHODS

We determined P(alb) in the following experimental groups: (1) isolated rat glomeruli incubated with PAN (5 microg/mL) for 5, 15, 30 or 60 minutes; (2) isolated glomeruli preincubated with 20-HETE (1.0 nmol/L to 100 nmol/L) for 15 minutes followed by additional incubation with PAN (5 microg/mL) for 15 minutes; (3) isolated glomeruli from rats treated with the CYP450 4A inducer clofibrate, and incubated with PAN (5 microg/mL) for 15 minutes; and (4) appropriate controls for each group. CYP450 4A levels were measured in glomeruli isolated from rats treated with clofibrate or vehicle.

RESULTS

PAN increased P(alb) of isolated glomeruli as early as 5 minutes (P(alb) 0.33 +/- 0.21, P < 0.05 vs. control). Maximal effect occurred at 30 minutes (P(alb) 0.75 +/- 0.16, P < 0.001 vs. control). Inclusion of 20-HETE (100 nmol/L) blocked the increased P(alb) caused by PAN (P(alb) 0.05 +/- 0.13). Likewise, glomeruli isolated from rats treated with clofibrate were protected from PAN-induced increase in P(alb) (P(alb) 0.19 +/- 0.03). Treatment with clofibrate significantly increased glomerular CYP450 4A expression.

CONCLUSION

PAN directly and immediately affects the glomerular permeability barrier. Furthermore, exogenous 20-HETE or clofibrate treatment protects glomeruli from increased P(alb) caused by PAN. Relative lack of 20-HETE may be a general characteristic of proteinuric states. Conversely, measures used to treat and/or prevent proteinuria may act to restore or increase glomerular 20-HETE levels.

Intrarenal dopamine: a key signal in the interactive regulation of sodium metabolism

The kidney regulates sodium metabolism with extraordinary precision and sensitivity. This is accomplished by an intricate interaction between signals from extrarenal and intrarenal sources and between anti-natriuretic and natriuretic factors. Dopamine, produced in renal proximal tubule cells, plays a central role in this interactive network. Natriuretic hormones that are released from extrarenal sources, such as atrial natriuretic peptide, mediate some of their effects via renal dopamine receptors. On the level of the tubules, dopamine acts by opposing the effects of anti-natriuretic factors, such as angiotensin II and alpha-adrenergic receptors. Sodium retention leads to an increase in renal dopamine tonus, and the natriuretic effects of dopamine are more prominent under this condition. Inhibition or down-regulation of dopamine receptors significantly attenuates the natriuretic response to salt loading. Renal dopamine is modulated by the supply of filtered L-DOPA and the metabolism of dopamine via catechol-O-methyldopamine. The importance of dopamine as a natriuretic hormone is reflected by its capacity to inhibit the majority of renal tubule sodium transporters. Notably, the activity of Na+, K+ ATPase is inhibited in most tubule segments by dopamine. Recent studies have elucidated many of the signaling pathways for renal dopamine receptors. Novel principles for homologous and heterologous sensitization of dopamine receptors have been detected that may explain some of the interaction between dopamine and other first messengers that modulate renal tubule sodium transport. A broad understanding of the renal dopamine system has become increasingly important, since there is now strong evidence from both clinical and experimental studies that dysregulation of the renal dopamine system plays a role in many forms of multigenetic hypertension.

Arachidonic acid metabolic pathways regulating activity of renal Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase are age dependent

Locally formed arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites are important as modulators of many aspects of renal tubular function, including regulation of the activity of tubular Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. Here we examined the ontogeny of the AA metabolic pathways regulating proximal convoluted tubular (PCT) Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in infant and adult rats. Eicosatetraynoic acid, an inhibitor of all AA-metabolizing pathways, abolished this effect. AA inhibition of PCT Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase was blocked by the 12-lipoxygenase inhibitor baicalein in infant but not in adult rats and by the specific cytochrome P-450 fatty acid omega-hydroxylase inhibitor 17-octadecynoic acid in adult but not in infant rats. The lipoxygenase metabolite 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) and the cytochrome P-450 metabolite 20-HETE both inhibited PCT Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in a protein kinase C-dependent manner, but the effect was significantly more pronounced in infant PCT. Lipoxygenase mRNA was only detected in infant cortex. Expression of renal isoforms of cytochrome P-450 mRNA was more prominent in adult cortex. In summary, the AA metabolic pathways that modulated the activity of rat renal proximal tubular Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase are age dependent.

Determination of free and glucuronide conjugated 20-hydroxyarachidonic acid (20-HETE) in urine by gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

20-Hydroxy-arachidonic acid (20-HETE) was determined in urine by an isotope dilution assay using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). After addition of 18O2-internal standard, 20-HETE was extracted from urine with hexane either directly or after treatment with glucuronidase. 20-HETE was derivatized to the pentafluorobenzylester and the sample was applied to thin layer chromatography with iso-octane/iso-propanol 9:1 (v/v) as the developing solvent. The corresponding zone was extracted and 20-HETE was hydrogenated. After derivatization to the trimethylsilylether, 20-HETE was determined by GC/MS using the [M-pentafluorobenzyl]- -ion in the negative ion chemical ionization mode. Excretion rates of free and glucuronide conjugated 20-HETE was determined in healthy children and in children with hyperprostaglandin-E-syndrome/antenatal Bartter syndrome (HPS/aBS) with or without indomethacin treatment. Compared to the controls, the HPS/aBS children showed higher excretion rates of 20-HETE, which were suppressed to normal values under indomethacin medication. Free and glucuronide conjugated 20-HETE do not correlate with PGE2 excluding any participation in HPS/aBS.

P450 subfamily CYP2J and their role in the bioactivation of arachidonic acid in extrahepatic tissues

Historically, there has been intense interest in P450 metabolic oxidation, peroxidation, and reduction of xenobiotics. More recently, there has been a growing appreciation for the role of P450s in the oxidation of lipophilic endobiotics, such as bile acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and eicosanoids. This review details the emerging CYP2J subfamily of P450s and their role as catalysts of arachidonic acid metabolism.