Opposing effects of platelet-activating factor and lyso-platelet-activating factor on neutrophil and platelet activation

An immune-adrenergic pathway induces lethal levels of platelet-activating factor in mice

Acute immune responses with excess production of cytokines, lipid/chemical mediators, or coagulation factors, often result in lethal damage. In addition, the innate immune system utilizes multiple types of receptors that recognize neurotransmitters as well as pathogen-associated molecular patterns, making immune responses complex and clinically unpredictable. We here report an innate immune and adrenergic link inducing lethal levels of platelet-activating factor. Injecting mice with toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cell wall N-glycans of Candida albicans, and the α2-adrenergic receptor (α2-AR) agonist medetomidine induces lethal damage. Knocking out the C-type lectin Dectin-2 prevents the lethal damage. In spleen, large amounts of platelet-activating factor (PAF) are detected, and knocking out lysophospholipid acyltransferase 9 (LPLAT9/LPCAT2), which encodes an enzyme that converts inactive lyso-PAF to active PAF, protects mice from the lethal damage. These results reveal a linkage/crosstalk between the nervous and the immune system, possibly inducing lethal levels of PAF.

Platelet dysfunction reversal with cold-stored vs room temperature-stored platelet transfusions

ABSTRACT

Platelets are stored at room temperature for 5 to 7 days (room temperature-stored platelets [RSPs]). Because of frequent and severe shortages, the US Food and Drug Administration recently approved up to 14-day cold-stored platelets (CSPs) in plasma. However, the posttransfusion function of CSPs is unknown and it is unclear which donors are best suited to provide either RSPs or CSPs. In this study, we sought to evaluate the posttransfusion platelet function and its predictors for platelets stored for the maximum approved storage times (7-day RSPs and 14-day CSPs) in healthy volunteers on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). We conducted a randomized crossover study in 10 healthy humans. Individuals donated 1 platelet unit, stored at either 22°C or 4°C based on randomization. Before transfusion, participants ingested ASA to inhibit endogenous platelets. Transfusion recipients were tested for platelet function and lipid mediators. Platelet units were tested for lipid mediators only. A second round of transfusion with the alternative product was followed by an identical testing sequence. RSPs reversed platelet inhibition significantly better in αIIbβ3 integrin activation-dependent assays. In contrast, CSPs in recipients led to significantly more thrombin generation, which was independent of platelet microparticles. Lysophosphatidylcholine-O species levels predicted the procoagulant capacity of CSPs. In contrast, polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations predicted the aggregation response of RSPs. In summary, we provide, to our knowledge, the first efficacy data of extended-stored CSPs in plasma. Our results suggest that identifying ideal RSP and CSP donors is possible, and pave the way for larger studies in the future. This trial is registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT0511102.

Specific triacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, and lyso-phosphatidylcholine species for the prediction of type 2 diabetes: a ~ 16-year prospective study in Chinese

Background

Bioactive lipids play an important role in insulin secretion and sensitivity, contributing to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to identify novel lipid species associated with incident T2D in a nested case–control study within a long-term prospective Chinese community-based cohort with a median follow-up of ~ 16 years.

Methods

Plasma samples from 196 incident T2D cases and 196 age- and sex-matched non-T2D controls recruited from the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study (CRISPS) were first analyzed using untargeted lipidomics. Potential predictive lipid species selected by the Boruta analysis were then verified by targeted lipidomics. The associations between these lipid species and incident T2D were assessed. Effects of novel lipid species on insulin secretion in mouse islets were investigated.

Results

Boruta analysis identified 16 potential lipid species. After adjustment for body mass index (BMI), triacylglycerol/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio and the presence of prediabetes, triacylglycerol (TG) 12:0_18:2_22:6, TG 16:0_11:1_18:2, TG 49:0, TG 51:1 and diacylglycerol (DG) 18:2_22:6 were independently associated with increased T2D risk, whereas lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) O-16:0, LPC P-16:0, LPC O-18:0 and LPC 18:1 were independently associated with decreased T2D risk. Addition of the identified lipid species to the clinical prediction model, comprised of BMI, TG/HDL ratio and the presence of prediabetes, achieved a 3.8% improvement in the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) (p = 0.0026). Further functional study revealed that, LPC O-16:0 and LPC O-18:0 significantly potentiated glucose induced insulin secretion (GSIS) in a dose-dependent manner, whereas neither DG 18:2_22:6 nor TG 12:0_18:2_22:6 had any effect on GSIS.

Conclusions

Addition of the lipid species substantially improved the prediction of T2D beyond the model based on clinical risk factors. Decreased levels of LPC O-16:0 and LPC O-18:0 may contribute to the development of T2D via reduced insulin secretion.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-022-01677-4.

Cecal Metabolomic Fingerprint of Unscathed Rats: Does It Reflect the Good Response to a Provocative Decompression?

On one side, decompression sickness (DCS) with neurological disorders lead to a reshuffle of the cecal metabolome of rats. On the other side, there is also a specific and different metabolomic signature in the cecum of a strain of DCS-resistant rats, that are not exposed to hyperbaric protocol. We decide to study a conventional strain of rats that resist to an accident-provoking hyperbaric exposure, and we hypothesize that the metabolomic signature put forward may correspond to a physiological response adapted to the stress induced by diving. The aim is to verify and characterize whether the cecal compounds of rats resistant to the provocative dive have a cecal metabolomic signature different from those who do not dive. 35 asymptomatic diver rats are selected to be compared to 21 rats non-exposed to the hyperbaric protocol. Because our aim is essentially to study the differences in the cecal metabolome associated with the hyperbaric exposure, about half of the rats are fed soy and the other half of maize in order to better rule out the effect of the diet itself. Lower levels of IL-1β and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity are registered in blood of diving rats. No blood cell mobilization is noted. Conventional and ChemRICH approaches help the metabolomic interpretation of the 185 chemical compounds analyzed in the cecal content. Statistical analysis show a panel of 102 compounds diet related. 19 are in common with the hyperbaric protocol effect. Expression of 25 compounds has changed in the cecal metabolome of rats resistant to the provocative dive suggesting an alteration of biliary acids metabolism, most likely through actions on gut microbiota. There seem to be also weak changes in allocations dedicated to various energy pathways, including hormonal reshuffle. Some of the metabolites may also have a role in regulating inflammation, while some may be consumed for the benefit of oxidative stress management.

Platelet activating factor in the eye: Physiological roles, diseases and future perspectives

Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) is a known phospholipid mediator of inflammation. Since its first description in 1972, it has emerged as a key regulator of vital cellular signaling functions, as proliferation, cell adhesion, and apoptosis. Evidence suggests that interactions between PAF and its receptor (PAFR) play a critical role in nervous system tissues, including the retina. The retina is a very important constituent of the visual system, along with the cornea, sclera, choroid, iris, and ciliary body, that acts synergistically to provide vision and to maintain optical homeostasis. There is evidence that PAF may regulate a wide range of physiological functions in the visual system tissues, such as eye development, inflammation, epithelial wound healing, and synapsis. Due to their multiple functions, PAF and PAFR also have important pathological and clinical implications in ocular disorders such as Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV), Age Macular Degeneration, (AMD), Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), transplant responses, and pharmacological interactions. Studies with PAFR antagonists have shown promising results such as inhibition of neovascularization and chloroquine-induced retinopathies, as well as reducing inflammation and retinal cell death. Due to the importance of PAFR signaling in the visual system and ophthalmology research, this review aims to provide a general overview of current and future perspectives about PAF in eye biology.

Emerging roles of lysophospholipids in health and disease

Lipids are abundant and play essential roles in human health and disease. The main functions of lipids are building blocks for membrane biogenesis. However, lipids are also metabolized to produce signaling molecules. Here, we discuss the emerging roles of circulating lysophospholipids. These lysophospholipids consist of lysoglycerophospholipids and lysosphingolipids. They are both present in cells at low concentration, but their concentrations in extracellular fluids are significantly higher. The biological functions of some of these lysophospholipids have been recently revealed. Remarkably, some of the lysophospholipids play pivotal signaling roles as well as being precursors for membrane biogenesis. Revealing how circulating lysophospholipids are produced, released, transported, and utilized in multi-organ systems is critical to understand their functions. The discovery of enzymes, carriers, transporters, and membrane receptors for these lysophospholipids has shed light on their physiological significance. In this review, we summarize the biological roles of these lysophospholipids via discussing about the proteins regulating their functions. We also discuss about their potential impacts to human health and diseases.

Host Metabolic Response in Early Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial illness that occurs in areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Early infection typically presents as generalized symptoms with an erythema migrans (EM) skin lesion. Dissemination of the pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi can result in multiple EM skin lesions or in extracutaneous manifestations such as Lyme neuroborreliosis. Metabolic biosignatures of patients with early Lyme disease can potentially provide diagnostic targets as well as highlight metabolic pathways that contribute to pathogenesis. Sera from well-characterized patients diagnosed with either early localized Lyme disease (ELL) or early disseminated Lyme disease (EDL), plus healthy controls (HC), from the United States were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Comparative analyses were performed between ELL, or EDL, or ELL combined with EDL, and the HC to develop biosignatures present in early Lyme disease. A direct comparison between ELL and EDL was also performed to develop a biosignature for stages of early Lyme disease. Metabolic pathway analysis and chemical identification of metabolites with LC-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) demonstrated alterations of eicosanoid, bile acid, sphingolipid, glycerophospholipid, and acylcarnitine metabolic pathways during early Lyme disease. These metabolic alterations were confirmed using a separate set of serum samples for validation. The findings demonstrated that infection of humans with B. burgdorferi alters defined metabolic pathways that are associated with inflammatory responses, liver function, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial function. Additionally, the data provide evidence that metabolic pathways can be used to mark the progression of early Lyme disease.

Inhibiting Bruton's tyrosine kinase rescues mice from lethal influenza-induced acute lung injury

Infection with seasonal influenza A virus (IAV) leads to lung inflammation and respiratory failure, a main cause of death in influenza-infected patients. Previous experiments in our laboratory indicate that Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) plays a substantial role in regulating inflammation in the respiratory region during acute lung injury in mice; therefore, we sought to determine if blocking Btk activity has a protective effect in the lung during influenza-induced inflammation. The Btk inhibitor ibrutinib (also known as PCI-32765) was administered intranasally to mice starting 72 h after lethal infection with IAV. Our data indicate that treatment with the Btk inhibitor not only reduced weight loss and led to survival, but also had a dramatic effect on morphological changes to the lungs, in IAV-infected mice. Attenuation of lung inflammation indicative of acute lung injury, such as alveolar hemorrhage, interstitial thickening, and the presence of alveolar exudate, together with reduced levels of the inflammatory mediators TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, KC, and MCP-1, strongly suggests amelioration of the pathological immune response in the lungs to promote resolution of the infection. Finally, we observed that blocking Btk specifically in the alveolar compartment led to significant attenuation of neutrophil extracellular traps released into the lung in vivo and neutrophil extracellular trap formation in vitro. Our innovative findings suggest that Btk may be a new drug target for influenza-induced lung injury, and, in general, that immunomodulatory treatment may be key in treating lung dysfunction driven by excessive inflammation.

Breaking Up Prolonged Sitting Alters the Postprandial Plasma Lipidomic Profile of Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Context

Postprandial dysmetabolism in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is exacerbated by prolonged sitting and may trigger inflammation and oxidative stress. It is unknown what impact countermeasures to prolonged sitting have on the postprandial lipidome.

Objective

In this study, we investigated the effects of regular interruptions to sitting, compared with prolonged sitting, on the postprandial plasma lipidome.

Design

Randomized crossover experimental trial.

Setting

Participants underwent three 7-hour conditions: uninterrupted sitting (SIT); light-intensity walking interruptions (LW); and simple resistance activity interruptions (SRA).

Participants and Samples

Baseline (fasting) and 7-hour (postprandial) plasma samples from 21 inactive overweight/obese adults with T2D were analyzed for 338 lipid species using mass spectrometry.

Main Outcome Measures

Using mixed model analysis (controlling for baseline outcome variable, gender, body mass index, and condition order), the percentage change in lipid species (baseline to 7 hours) was compared between conditions with Benjamini-Hochberg correction.

Results

Thirty-seven lipids were different between conditions (P < 0.05). Compared with SIT, postprandial elevations in diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, and phosphatidylethanolamines were attenuated in LW and SRA. Plasmalogens and lysoalkylphosphatidylcholines were reduced in SIT, compared with attenuated reductions or elevations in LW and SRA. Phosphatidylserines were elevated with LW, compared with reductions in SIT and SRA.

Conclusion

Compared with SIT, LW and SRA were associated with reductions in lipids associated with inflammation; increased concentrations of lipids associated with antioxidant capacity; and differential changes in species associated with platelet activation. Acutely interrupting prolonged sitting time may impart beneficial effects on the postprandial plasma lipidome of adults with T2D. Evidence on longer-term intervention is needed.

Enzymatic methods for choline-containing water soluble phospholipids based on fluorescence of choline oxidase: Application to lyso-PAF

In this paper we present methods to determine water soluble phospholipids containing choline (wCh-PL). The analytes were hydrolyzed by the enzyme phospholipase D and the choline formed was oxidized by the enzyme Choline Oxidase (ChOx); the fluorescence changes of the ChOx are followed during the enzymatic reaction, avoiding the necessity of an indicating step. Both reactions (hydrolysis and oxidation) can be combined in two different ways: 1) a two-step process (TSP) in which the hydrolysis reaction takes place during an incubation time and then the oxidation reaction is carried out, the analytical signal being provided by the intrinsic fluorescence of ChOx due to tryptophan; 2) a one-step process (OSP) in which both enzymatic reactions are carried out simultaneously in the same test; in this case the analytical signal is provided by the ChOx extrinsic fluorescence due to a fluorescent probe (Ru (II) chelate) linked to the enzyme (ChOx-RuC). The analytical capabilities of these methods were studied using 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C₈PC), a water soluble short alkyl chain Ch-PL as a substrate, and 1-O-hexadecyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine (lyso-PAF). The analytical features of merit for both analytes using both methods were obtained. The TSP gave a 10-fold sensitivity and lower quantification limit (1.0*10^-5 M for lyso-PAF), but OSP reduced the determination time and permitted to use the same enzyme aliquot for several measurements. Both methods gave similar precision (RSD 7%, n = 5). The TSP was applied to the determination of C₈PC and lyso-PAF in spiked synthetic serum matrix using the standard addition method. The application of this methodology to PLD activity determination is also discussed.

Association of platelet-activating factor receptor gene rs5938 (G/T) and rs313152 (T/C) polymorphisms with coronary heart disease and blood stasis syndrome in a Chinese Han population

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association of the platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) gene rs5938, rs313152 and rs76744145 polymorphisms with coronary heart disease (CHD) and blood stasis syndrome (BSS) of CHD in Chinese Han population.

METHODS

A total of 570 CHD patients (299 with BSS and 271 with non-BSS) and 317 controls were enrolled. The PAFR gene rs5938, rs313152 and rs76744145 polymorphisms were genotyped using the multiplex SNaPshot technology. The statistical analysis was conducted using a multiple variable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Significant differences were detected in the genotypes frequency distributions of the rs5938 (P<0.01), but not the rs313152 (P>0.05), between the controls and CHD patients. Individuals with an rs5938 or rs313152 mutated allele had a low risk for CHD [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23 to 0.56, P<0.01; aOR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.91, P<0.05, respectively]. After the CHD patients were stratified as BSS or non-BSS according to their Chinese medicine patterns, the rs5938 polymorphism mutated alleles had a significant association with a low risk for BSS of CHD (aOR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.57, P<0.01) and non-BSS of CHD (aOR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.55, P<0.01). The rs313152 polymorphism was associated with a low risk for BSS (aOR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.79, P<0.01), but not for non-BSS (aOR=1.22, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.85, P<0.05). Furthermore, the interaction effect of the rs5938 and rs313152 polymorphisms for BSS of CHD was significantly based on an aOR value associated with the combination of the rs5938 GT genotype with the rs313152 TC genotype of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.1 to 0.7, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The PAFR gene rs5938 or rs313152 polymorphisms might be a potential biomarker for susceptibility to CHD, especially to BSS of CHD in Chinese Han population.

Characterization of platelet-activating factor-induced cutaneous edema and erythema in dogs

OBJECTIVE To characterize platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced edema and erythema in the skin of dogs and compare those reactions with histamine-induced cutaneous reactions. ANIMALS 6 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURES Experiments were performed at ≥ 2-week intervals. Each dog received ID injections (5 μg/site) of PAF C16, PAF C18, lyso-PAF, and histamine. Edema (mean diameter) and erythema scores (none, mild, moderate, or severe) were assessed 30 minutes after the injections. Dogs received ID injections of PAF and histamine each with various concentrations of WEB 2086 (PAF receptor antagonist) or underwent ID testing with PAF and histamine before and 3 hours after oral administration of cetirizine hydrochloride or prednisolone (at 2 doses each). RESULTS ID injections of PAF C16 and PAF C18, but not lyso-PAF, induced comparable levels of edema and erythema. The PAF-induced edema and erythema peaked at 30 minutes and lasted for 6 hours after the injection; histamine-induced edema and erythema peaked at 30 minutes and lasted for 3 hours after the injection. Edema sizes and erythema scores were significantly smaller and lower, respectively, for PAF than for histamine. The WEB 2086 inhibited PAF-induced but not histamine-induced edema and erythema. Cetirizine slightly, but significantly, repressed PAF-induced edema and erythema as well as histamine-induced cutaneous reactions. Prednisolone suppressed both PAF-induced and histamine-induced edema and erythema. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In canine skin, the duration of PAF-induced inflammation was longer than that of histamine-induced inflammation. The PAF- and histamine-induced cutaneous reactions were effectively suppressed by oral administration of prednisolone. The importance of PAF in dogs with anaphylaxis and allergic disorders warrants further investigation.

Metabolomics of pulmonary exacerbations reveals the personalized nature of cystic fibrosis disease

Background. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that results in chronic infections of the lungs. CF patients experience intermittent pulmonary exacerbations (CFPE) that are associated with poor clinical outcomes. CFPE involves an increase in disease symptoms requiring more aggressive therapy. Methods. Longitudinal sputum samples were collected from 11 patients (n = 44 samples) to assess the effect of exacerbations on the sputum metabolome using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The data was analyzed with MS/MS molecular networking and multivariate statistics. Results. The individual patient source had a larger influence on the metabolome of sputum than the clinical state (exacerbation, treatment, post-treatment, or stable). Of the 4,369 metabolites detected, 12% were unique to CFPE samples; however, the only known metabolites significantly elevated at exacerbation across the dataset were platelet activating factor (PAF) and a related monacylglycerophosphocholine lipid. Due to the personalized nature of the sputum metabolome, a single patient was followed for 4.2 years (capturing four separate exacerbation events) as a case study for the detection of personalized biomarkers with metabolomics. PAF and related lipids were significantly elevated during CFPEs of this patient and ceramide was elevated during CFPE treatment. Correlating the abundance of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons to metabolomics data from the same samples during a CFPE demonstrated that antibiotics were positively correlated to Stenotrophomonas and Pseudomonas, while ceramides and other lipids were correlated with Streptococcus, Rothia, and anaerobes. Conclusions. This study identified PAF and other inflammatory lipids as potential biomarkers of CFPE, but overall, the metabolome of CF sputum was patient specific, supporting a personalized approach to molecular detection of CFPE onset.

Cytoprotective Effects of Lysophospholipids from Sea Cucumber Holothuria atra

Lysophospholipids are important signaling molecules in animals and metazoan cells. They are widely distributed among marine invertebrates, where their physiological roles are unknown. Sea cucumbers produce unique lysophospholipids. In this study, two lysophospholipids were detected in Holothuria atra for the first time, lyso-platelet activating factor and lysophosphatidylcholine, with nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometric analyses. The lipid fraction of H. atra contained lyso-platelet activating factor and lysophosphatidylcholine, and inhibited H2O2-induced apoptosis in the macrophage cell line J774A.1. The antioxidant activity of the lysophospholipid-containing lipid fraction of H. atra was confirmed with the oxygen radical absorbance capacity method. Our results suggest that the lysophospholipids from H. atra are potential therapeutic agents for the inflammation induced by oxidative stress.

Silencing Bruton's tyrosine kinase in alveolar neutrophils protects mice from LPS/immune complex-induced acute lung injury

Previous observations made by our laboratory indicate that Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) may play an important role in the pathophysiology of local inflammation in acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We have shown that there is cross talk between FcγRIIa and TLR4 in alveolar neutrophils from patients with ALI/ARDS and that Btk mediates the molecular cooperation between these two receptors. To study the function of Btk in vivo we have developed a unique two-hit model of ALI: LPS/immune complex (IC)-induced ALI. Furthermore, we conjugated F(ab)2 fragments of anti-neutrophil antibodies (Ly6G1A8) with specific siRNA for Btk to silence Btk specifically in alveolar neutrophils. It should be stressed that we are the first group to perform noninvasive transfections of neutrophils, both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, our present findings indicate that silencing Btk in alveolar neutrophils has a dramatic protective effect in mice with LPS/IC-induced ALI, and that Btk regulates neutrophil survival and clearance of apoptotic neutrophils in this model. In conclusion, we put forward a hypothesis that Btk-targeted neutrophil specific therapy is a valid goal of research geared toward restoring homeostasis in lungs of patients with ALI/ARDS.

Influence of platelet-activating factor, lyso-platelet-activating factor and edelfosine on Langmuir monolayers imitating plasma membranes of cell lines differing in susceptibility to anti-cancer treatment: the effect of plasmalogen level

Three structurally related but differing in biological activities single-chained ether phospholipids (PAF (platelet-activating factor) and lyso-PAF) and an anti-cancer drug (edelfosine (ED)) were investigated in Langmuir monolayers imitating natural membranes. The aim of the undertaken experiments was to study the influence of these lipids on monolayers mimicking plasma membranes of cell lines differing in susceptibility to the anti-cancer activity of ED, i.e. promyelocytic leukaemia cells (HL-60) and promyeloblastic leukaemia cells (K-562). As these cells differ essentially in the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio and plasmalogen concentration in the membrane, we have carried out systematic investigations in artificial systems of various compositions. The results for model leukaemia cell membrane were compared with data acquired for systems imitating normal leucocytes. Our results show that the level of plasmalogens significantly modulates the influence of the single-chained phospholipids on the investigated systems. The experiments confirmed also that the interactions of ether lipids with a model membrane of HL-60 cells (in biological tests sensitive to ED) have opposite character when compared with K-562, being resistant to ED. Moreover, the values of the parameters characterizing monolayers serving as membrane models (strength of interactions, monolayers fluidity and morphology) proved both sensitivity of these cells to ED and lack of their susceptibility towards PAF. Interestingly, it has been found that lyso-PAF, which is usually described as an inactive precursor of PAF, displays a stronger effect on HL-60 model membranes than ED.

Specific plasma lipid classes and phospholipid fatty acids indicative of dairy food consumption associate with insulin sensitivity

BACKGROUND

Reports have suggested that the consumption of dairy foods may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes on the basis of evidence of raised circulating ruminant fatty acids.

OBJECTIVE

We determined whether certain phospholipid species and fatty acids that are associated with full-fat dairy consumption may also be linked to diminished insulin resistance.

DESIGN

Four variables of insulin resistance and sensitivity were defined from oral-glucose-tolerance tests in 86 overweight and obese subjects with metabolic syndrome. Plasma phospholipids, sphingolipids, and fatty acids were determined by using a lipidomic analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to provide objective markers of dairy consumption. Food records provided information on dairy products. Associations were determined by using linear regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders age, sex, systolic blood pressure, waist:hip ratio, or body mass index (BMI) and corrected for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Lysophosphatidylcholine, lyso-platelet-activating factor, and several phospholipid fatty acids correlated directly with the number of servings of full-fat dairy foods. Lysophosphatidylcholine and lyso-platelet-activating factor were also associated directly with insulin sensitivity when accounting for the waist:hip ratio (Matsuda index unadjusted, P < 0.001 for both; adjusted for multiple comparisons, P < 0.02 for both) and inversely with insulin resistance (fasting insulin unadjusted, P < 0.001 for both; adjusted, P = 0.04 and P < 0.05, respectively; homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance adjusted, P = 0.04 for both; post-glucose insulin area under the plasma insulin curve during the 120 min of the test adjusted, P < 0.01 for both). The substitution of BMI for the waist:hip ratio attenuated associations modestly. Phospholipid fatty acid 17:0 also tended to be associated directly with insulin sensitivity and inversely with resistance.

CONCLUSION

Variables of insulin resistance were lower at higher concentrations of specific plasma phospholipids that were also indicators of full-fat dairy consumption. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00163943.

The effect of short-term overfeeding on serum lipids in healthy humans

OBJECTIVES

While chronic obesity is associated with alterations in circulating glycerolipids, sphingolipids and plasmalogens, the effects of short-term overfeeding in humans are unclear.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Healthy individuals (n = 40) were overfed by 1,250 kcal day(-1) for 28 days. Insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp), abdominal fat distribution and serum lipidomics (mass spectrometry) were assessed.

RESULTS

Overfeeding increased liver fat, insulin resistance, serum C-reactive protein and urinary F2-isoprostanes. HDL increased (11% ± 2%, P < 0.001) while LDL, triglycerides and nonesterified fatty acids were unchanged. Three hundred and thirty three serum lipids were detected, of which 13% increased and 20% decreased with overfeeding. Total diacylglycerol and lysoalkylphosphatidylcholine (LPC(O)) concentrations decreased (P < 0.01), while total ceramide, Cer22:0 and Cer24:0 increased (P ≤ 0.01). The most notable increases were observed in the HDL-associated phosphatidylethanolamine-based plasmalogens and their precursors alkylhosphatidylethanolamine (18 ± 5% and 38 ± 8% respectively, P ≤ 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Overfeeding led to weight gain and changes in the serum lipid profile. Increases in ceramides were noted, which left unchecked may promote systemic insulin resistance. Uniform increases were observed in plasmalogens and their precursors. Because plasmalogens are powerful antioxidants, this may be an appropriate response against increased oxidative stress generated by over-nutrition. The metabolic consequences of changes in concentrations of many circulating lipid species with overfeeding require further study. Copyright © 2013 The Obesity Society.

The subcellular localization of the receptor for platelet-activating factor in neutrophils affects signaling and activation characteristics

The localization in neutrophils, of the receptor for platelet-activating factor (PAFR), has been determined using subcellular fractionation and a receptor mobilization protocol. We show that the PAFR is expressed primarily in the plasma membrane. Although activation of neutrophils by PAF induces responses typical also of agonists that bind the formyl peptide receptors (FPR), known to be stored in mobilizable organelles, some quantitative as well as qualitative differences were observed when neutrophils were activated through these receptors. PAF is equipotent to fMLF (high affinity agonist for FPR1) to cleave off L-selectin and to induce granule/vesicle secretion but is more potent than fMLF to induce a rise in intracellular Ca²⁺. Similar to fMLF, PAF induced also a robust release of reactive oxygen species, but with higher EC₅₀ value and was less sensitive to a PI3K inhibitor compared to the fMLF response. Despite the lack of a granule localized storage pool of receptors, the PAF-induced superoxide production could be primed; receptor mobilization was, thus, not required for priming of the PAF response. The desensitized PAFR could not be reactivated, suggesting that distinct signaling pathways are utilized for termination of the responses triggered through FPR1 and PAFR.

Cholesterol as a factor regulating the influence of natural (PAF and lysoPAF) vs synthetic (ED) ether lipids on model lipid membranes

In this work we have performed a comparative study on the effect of antineoplastic ether lipid-edelfosine (ED), its natural analogs - Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) and its precursor (lyso-PAF), both lacking anticancer properties, on cholesterol/phosphatidylcholine (Chol/PC) monolayers, serving as model membranes. Since all the above ether lipids are membrane active, it can be expected that their effect on membranes may differentiate their biological activity. Our investigations were aimed at studying potential relationship of the effect of ED, PAF and lyso-PAF on model membranes, differing in condensation. We have modified molecular packing of Chol/PC model systems either by increasing the level of sterol in the system or changing the structure of PC, while keeping the same sterol content. Additionally, we have performed a detailed comparison of the miscibility of ED, PAF and lyso-PAF with various membrane lipids. The collected data evidenced that all the investigated ether lipids influence Chol/PC films in the same way; however, in a different magnitude. Moreover, the interactions of ED, PAF and lyso-PAF with model membranes were the strongest at the highest level of sterol in the system. A thorough analysis of the obtained results has proved that the effect of the investigated ether lipids on membranes is not dependent on the condensation of the system, but it is strongly determined by the concentration of cholesterol. Since ED was found to interact with model membranes stronger than PAF and lyso-PAF, we have suggested that this fact may contribute to differences in cytotoxicity of these compounds.

Reactivation of desensitized formyl peptide receptors by platelet activating factor: a novel receptor cross talk mechanism regulating neutrophil superoxide anion production

Neutrophils express different chemoattractant receptors of importance for guiding the cells from the blood stream to sites of inflammation. These receptors communicate with one another, a cross talk manifested as hierarchical, heterologous receptor desensitization. We describe a new receptor cross talk mechanism, by which desensitized formyl peptide receptors (FPRdes) can be reactivated. FPR desensitization is induced through binding of specific FPR agonists and is reached after a short period of active signaling. The mechanism that transfers the receptor to a non-signaling desensitized state is not known, and a signaling pathway has so far not been described, that transfers FPRdes back to an active signaling state. The reactivation signal was generated by PAF stimulation of its receptor (PAFR) and the cross talk was uni-directional. LatrunculinA, an inhibitor of actin polymerization, induced a similar reactivation of FPRdes as PAF while the phosphatase inhibitor CalyculinA inhibited reactivation, suggesting a role for the actin cytoskeleton in receptor desensitization and reactivation. The activated PAFR could, however, reactivate FPRdes also when the cytoskeleton was disrupted prior to activation. The receptor cross talk model presented prophesies that the contact on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane that blocks signaling between the G-protein and the FPR is not a point of no return; the receptor cross-talk from the PAFRs to the FPRdes initiates an actin-independent signaling pathway that turns desensitized receptors back to a signaling state. This represents a novel mechanism for amplification of neutrophil production of reactive oxygen species.

Receptor activation of NADPH oxidases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in many intra- and intercellular processes. High levels of ROS are generated as part of the innate immunity in the respiratory burst of phagocytic cells. Low levels of ROS, however, are generated in a highly controlled manner by various cell types to act as second messengers in redox-sensitive pathways. A NADPH oxidase has been initially described as the respiratory burst enzyme in neutrophils. Stimulation of this complex enzyme system requires specific signaling cascades linking it to membrane-receptor activation. Subsequently, a family of NADPH oxidases has been identified in various nonphagocytic cells. They mainly differ in containing one out of seven homologous catalytic core proteins termed NOX1 to NOX5 and DUOX1 or 2. NADPH oxidase activity is controlled by regulatory subunits, including the NOX regulators p47phox and p67phox, their homologs NOXO1 and NOXA1, or the DUOX1 or 2 regulators DUOXA1 and 2. In addition, the GTPase Rac modulates activity of several of these enzymes. Recently, additional proteins have been identified that seem to have a regulatory function on NADPH oxidase activity under certain conditions. We will thus summarize molecular pathways linking activation of different membrane-bound receptors with increased ROS production of NADPH oxidases.

Mouse and human eosinophils degranulate in response to platelet-activating factor (PAF) and lysoPAF via a PAF-receptor-independent mechanism: evidence for a novel receptor

Platelet-activating factor (PAF [1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine]) is a phospholipid mediator released from activated macrophages, mast cells, and basophils that promotes pathophysiologic inflammation. Eosinophil responses to PAF are complex and incompletely elucidated. We show in this article that PAF and its 2-deacetylated metabolite (lysoPAF) promote degranulation (release of eosinophil peroxidase) via a mechanism that is independent of the characterized PAFR. Specifically, we demonstrate that receptor antagonists CV-3988 and WEB-2086 and pertussis toxin have no impact on PAF- or lysoPAF-mediated degranulation. Furthermore, cultured mouse eosinophils from PAFR(-/-) bone marrow progenitors degranulate in response to PAF and lysoPAF in a manner indistinguishable from their wild-type counterparts. In addition to PAF and lysoPAF, human eosinophils degranulate in response to lysophosphatidylcholine, but not phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, or phosphatidylethanolamine, demonstrating selective responses to phospholipids with a choline head-group and minimal substitution at the sn-2 hydroxyl. Human eosinophils release preformed cytokines in response to PAF, but not lysoPAF, also via a PAFR-independent mechanism. Mouse eosinophils do not release cytokines in response to PAF or lysoPAF, but they are capable of doing so in response to IL-6. Overall, our work provides the first direct evidence for a role for PAF in activating and inducing degranulation of mouse eosinophils, a crucial feature for the interpretation of mouse models of PAF-mediated asthma and anaphylaxis. Likewise, we document and define PAF and lysoPAF-mediated activities that are not dependent on signaling via PAFR, suggesting the existence of other unexplored molecular signaling pathways mediating responses from PAF, lysoPAF, and closely related phospholipid mediators.