Cell-specific expression of group X and group V secretory phospholipases A(2) in human lung airway epithelial cells

Temporal associations of plasma levels of the secreted phospholipase A2 family and mortality in severe COVID-19

Previous research suggests that group IIA-secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) plays a role in and predicts lethal COVID-19 disease. The current study reanalyzed a longitudinal proteomic data set to determine the temporal relationship between levels of several members of a family of sPLA2 isoforms and the severity of COVID-19 in 214 ICU patients. The levels of six secreted PLA2 isoforms, sPLA2-IIA, sPLA2-V, sPLA2-X, sPLA2-IB, sPLA2-IIC, and sPLA2-XVI, increased over the first 7 ICU days in those who succumbed to the disease but attenuated over the same time period in survivors. In contrast, a reversed pattern in sPLA2-IID and sPLA2-XIIB levels over 7 days suggests a protective role of these two isoforms. Furthermore, decision tree models demonstrated that sPLA2-IIA outperformed top-ranked cytokines and chemokines as a predictor of patient outcome. Taken together, proteomic analysis revealed temporal sPLA2 patterns that reflect the critical roles of sPLA2 isoforms in severe COVID-19 disease.

Temporal Associations of Plasma Levels of the Secreted Phospholipase A 2 Family and Mortality in Severe COVID-19

Previous research suggests that group IIA secreted phospholipase A 2 (sPLA 2 -IIA) plays a role in and predicts severe COVID-19 disease. The current study reanalyzed a longitudinal proteomic data set to determine the temporal (days 0, 3 and 7) relationship between the levels of several members of a family of sPLA 2 isoforms and the severity of COVID-19 in 214 ICU patients. The levels of six secreted PLA 2 isoforms, sPLA 2 -IIA, sPLA 2 -V, sPLA 2 -X, sPLA 2 -IB, sPLA 2 -IIC, and sPLA 2 -XVI, increased over the first 7 ICU days in those who succumbed to the disease. sPLA 2 -IIA outperformed top ranked cytokines and chemokines as predictors of patient outcome. A decision tree corroborated these results with day 0 to day 3 kinetic changes of sPLA 2 -IIA that separated the death and severe categories from the mild category and increases from day 3 to day 7 significantly enriched the lethal category. In contrast, there was a time-dependent decrease in sPLA 2 -IID and sPLA 2 -XIIB in patients with severe or lethal disease, and these two isoforms were at higher levels in mild patients. Taken together, proteomic analysis revealed temporal sPLA 2 patterns that reflect the critical roles of sPLA 2 isoforms in severe COVID-19 disease.

Strategies to protect surfactant and enhance its activity

The knowledge about surfactant biology is now deeper and recent research has allowed to clarify its role in several human lung disorders. The balance between surfactant production and consumption is better known and the same applies to their regulatory mechanisms. This has allowed to hypothesize and investigate several new and original strategies to protect surfactant and enhance its activity. These interventions are potentially useful for several disorders and particularly for acute respiratory distress syndrome. We here highlight the mechanisms regulating surfactant consumption, encompassing surfactant catabolism but also surfactant injury due to other mechanisms, in a physiopathology-driven fashion. We then analyze each corresponding strategy to protect surfactant and enhance its activity. Some of these strategies are more advanced in terms of research & development pathway, some others are still investigational, but all are promising and deserve a joint effort from clinical-academic researchers and the industry.

Surfactant Injury in the Early Phase of Severe Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

No in vivo data are available regarding the effect of meconium on human surfactant in the early stages of severe meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). In the present study, we sought to characterize the changes in surfactant composition, function, and structure during the early phase of meconium injury. We designed a translational prospective cohort study of nonbronchoscopic BAL of neonates with severe MAS (n = 14) or no lung disease (n = 18). Surfactant lipids were analyzed by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Secretory phospholipase A₂ subtypes IB, V, and X and SP-A (surfactant protein A) were assayed by ELISA. SP-B and SP-C were analyzed by Western blotting under both nonreducing and reducing conditions. Surfactant function was assessed by adsorption test and captive bubble surfactometry, and lung aeration was evaluated by semiquantitative lung ultrasound. Surfactant nanostructure was studied using cryo-EM and atomic force microscopy. Several changes in phospholipid subclasses were detected during MAS. Lysophosphatidylcholine species released by phospholipase A₂ hydrolysis were increased. SP-B and SP-C were significantly increased together with some shorter immature forms of SP-B. Surfactant function was impaired and correlated with poor lung aeration. Surfactant nanostructure was significantly damaged in terms of vesicle size, tridimensional complexity, and compactness. Various alterations of surfactant phospholipids and proteins were detected in the early phase of severe meconium aspiration and were due to hydrolysis and inflammation and a defensive response. This impairs both surfactant structure and function, finally resulting in reduced lung aeration. These findings support the development of new surfactant protection and antiinflammatory strategies for severe MAS.

Cysteinyl Leukotriene Synthesis via Phospholipase A2 Group IV Mediates Exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction and Airway Remodeling

It is well known that the prevalence of asthma is higher in athletes, including Olympic athletes, than in the general population. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction by using animal models of athlete asthma. Mice were made to exercise on a treadmill for a total duration of 1 week, 3 weeks, or 5 weeks. We analyzed airway responsiveness, BAL fluid, lung homogenates, and tissue histology for each period. In mice that were treated (i.e., the treatment model), treatments were administered from the fourth to the fifth week. We also collected induced sputum from human athletes with asthma and analyzed the supernatants. Airway responsiveness to methacholine was enhanced with repeated exercise stimulation, although the cell composition in BAL fluid did not change. Exercise induced hypertrophy of airway smooth muscle and subepithelial collagen deposition. Cysteinyl-leukotriene (Cys-LT) levels were significantly increased with exercise duration. Montelukast treatment significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway remodeling. Expression of PLA₂G4 (phospholipase A₂ group IV) and leukotriene C₄ synthase in the airway epithelium was upregulated in the exercise model, and inhibition of PLA₂ ameliorated AHR and airway remodeling, with associated lower levels of Cys-LTs. The levels of Cys-LTs in sputum from athletes did not differ between those with and without sputum eosinophilia. These data suggest that AHR and airway remodeling were caused by repeated and strenuous exercise. Cys-LTs from the airway epithelium, but not inflammatory cells, may play an important role in this mouse model.

Surfactant-secreted phospholipase A2interplay and respiratory outcome in preterm neonates

Secreted phospholipase A2hydrolyzes surfactant phospholipids and is crucial for the inflammatory cascade; preterm neonates are treated with exogenous surfactant, but the interaction between surfactant and phospholipase is unknown. We hypothesize that this interplay is complex and the enzyme plays a relevant role in neonates needing surfactant replacement. We aimed to: 1) identify phospholipases A2isoforms expressed in preterm lung; 2) study the enzyme role on surfactant retreatment and function and the effect of exogenous surfactant on the enzyme system; and 3) verify whether phospholipase A2is linked to respiratory outcomes. In bronchoalveolar lavages of preterm neonates, we measured enzyme activity (alone or with inhibitors), enzyme subtypes, surfactant protein-A, and inflammatory mediators. Surfactant function and phospholipid profile were also tested. Urea ratio was used to obtain epithelial lining fluid concentrations. Follow-up data were prospectively collected. Subtype-IIA is the main phospholipase isoform in preterm lung, although subtype-IB may be significantly expressed. Neonates needing surfactant retreatment have higher enzyme activity ( P = 0.021) and inflammatory mediators ( P always ≤ 0.001) and lower amounts of phospholipids ( P always < 0.05). Enzyme activity was inversely correlated to surfactant adsorption (ρ = −0.6; P = 0.008; adjusted P = 0.009), total phospholipids (ρ = −0.475; P = 0.05), and phosphatidylcholine (ρ = −0.622; P = 0.017). Exogenous surfactant significantly reduced global phospholipase activity ( P < 0.001) and subtype-IIA ( P = 0.005) and increased dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol ( P < 0.001) and surfactant adsorption ( P < 0.001). Enzyme activity correlated with duration of ventilation (ρ = 0.679, P = 0.005; adjusted P = 0.04) and respiratory morbidity score at 12 mo postnatal age (τ-b = 0.349, P = 0.037; adjusted P = 0.043) but was not associated with mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or other long-term respiratory outcomes.

Effect of cooling on lung secretory phospholipase A2 activity in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo

Hypothermia can modify surfactant composition and function. Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) hydrolyses surfactant phospholipids and is important in the pathobiology of several critical respiratory disorders. We hypothesize that sPLA2 activity might be influenced by the temperature partially explaining surfactant changes. This study aims to evaluate comprehensively the effect of hypothermia on sPLA2 activity. We measured sPLA2 activity at different temperatures, alone or combined with bile acids, in vitro (incubating human recombinant sPLA2-IIA and porcine sPLA2-IB), ex vivo (by cooling bronchoalveolar lavage samples from neonates with respiratory distress syndrome or no lung disease), and in vivo (using lavage samples obtained before and after 72 h of whole body cooling in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy). We also measured concentrations of various sPLA2 subtypes and natural sPLA2 inhibitors in in vivo cooled samples. Results were corrected for protein content and dilution. In vitro cooling did not show any effect of hypothermia on sPLA2. Ex vivo cooling did not alter total sPLA2 activity, and the addition of bile acids increased sPLA2 activity irrespective of the temperature and the type of sampled patient. In vivo hypothermia reduced median sPLA2 activity from 16.6 [15.2–106.7] IU/mg to 3.3 [2.7–8.5] IU/mg ( P = 0.026) and mean sPLA2-IIA from 1.1 (0.8) pg/μg to 0.6 (0.4) pg/μg ( P = 0.047), whereas dioleylphosphatidylglycerol increased from 8.3 (3.9)% to 12.8 (5.1)% ( P = 0.02). Whole body hypothermia decreases in vivo global sPLA2 activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids through the reduction of sPLA2-IIA and increment of dioleylphosphatidylglycerol. This effect is absent during in vitro or ex vivo hypothermia.

PLA2G5 regulates transglutaminase activity of human IL-4-activated M2 macrophages through PGE2 generation

Phospholipases A2 are enzymes that liberate membrane-bound lipids in a tissue and cell-specific fashion. Group V secretory phospholipase A2 is necessary for the development of M2 macrophages and their effector functions in a mouse model of the T-helper-2 allergic airway inflammation. However, the function of group V phospholipase A2 in human M2 activation and T-helper-2 inflammation is ill-defined. Transglutaminase-2, a protein cross-linking enzyme, is a newly identified marker of both human and mouse interleukin-4-activated M2 macrophages and is also found in the lungs of patients with asthma. We report that group V phospholipase A2 and transglutaminase-2 colocalized in macrophages of human nasal polyp tissue obtained from patients with T-helper-2 eosinophilic inflammation, and their coexpression positively correlated with the number of eosinophils in each tissue specimen. We demonstrate that in human monocyte-derived macrophages activated by interleukin-4, group V phospholipase A2 translocated and colocalized with transglutaminase-2 in the cytoplasm and on the membrane of macrophages. Moreover, knocking down group V phospholipase A2 with small interfering ribonucleic acid reduced macrophage transglutaminase activity, whereas mass spectrometry analysis of lipids also showed reduced prostaglandin E2 production. Finally, exogenous prostaglandin E2 restored transglutaminase activity of group V phospholipase A2-small interfering ribonucleic acid-treated macrophages. Thus, our study shows a novel function of group V phospholipase A2 in regulating the transglutaminase activity of human interleukin-4-activated M2 macrophages through prostaglandin E2 generation and suggests that group V phospholipase A2 is a functionally relevant enzyme that may have therapeutic value for the treatment of human T-helper-2 inflammatory disorders.

Secretory phospholipases A2 are secreted from ciliated cells and increase mucin and eicosanoid secretion from goblet cells

BACKGROUND

Secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2) initiate the biosynthesis of eicosanoids, are increased in the airways of people with severe asthma, and induce mucin hypersecretion. We used IL-13-transformed, highly enriched goblet cells and differentiated (ciliary cell-enriched) human bronchial epithelial cell culture to evaluate the relative contribution of ciliated and goblet cells to airway sPLA2 generation and response. We wished to determine the primary source(s) of sPLA2 and leukotrienes in human airway epithelial cells.

METHODS

Human bronchial epithelial cells from subjects without lung disease were differentiated to a ciliated-enriched or goblet-enriched cell phenotype. Synthesis of sPLA2, cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs), and airway mucin messenger RNA and protein was measured by real-time-polymerase chain reaction and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the localization of mucin and sPLA2 to specific cells types was confirmed by confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

sPLA2 group IIa, V, and X messenger RNA expression was increased in ciliated-enriched cells (P < .001) but not in goblet-enriched cells. sPLA2 were secreted from the apical (air) side of ciliated-enriched cells but not goblet-enriched cells (P < .001). Immunostaining of sPLA2 V was strongly positive in ciliated-enriched cells but not in goblet-enriched cells. sPLA2 released cysLTs from goblet-enriched cells but not from ciliated-enriched cells, and this result was greatest with sPLA2 V (P < .05). sPLA2 V increased goblet-enriched cell mucin secretion, which was inhibited by inhibitors of lipoxygenase or cyclooxygenase (P < .02).

CONCLUSIONS

sPLA2 are secreted from ciliated cells and appear to induce mucin and cysLT secretion from goblet cells, strongly suggesting that airway goblet cells are proinflammatory effector cells.

The (G>A) rs11573191 polymorphism of PLA2G5 gene is associated with premature coronary artery disease in the Mexican Mestizo population: the genetics of atherosclerotic disease Mexican study

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial disorder that results from an excessive inflammatory response. Secretory phospholipase A₂-V (sPLA₂-V) encoded by PLA2G5 gene promotes diverse proinflammatory processes. The aim of the present study was to analyze if PLA2G5 gene polymorphisms are associated with premature CAD. Three PLA2G5 polymorphisms (rs11573187, rs2148911, and rs11573191) were analyzed in 707 patients with premature CAD and 749 healthy controls. Haplotypes were constructed after linkage disequilibrium analysis. Under dominant, recessive, and additive models, the rs11573191 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of premature CAD (OR = 1.51, P_dom = 3.5 × 10⁻³; OR = 2.95, P_rec = 0.023; OR = 1.51, P_add = 1.2 × 10⁻³). According to the informatics software, this polymorphism had a functional effect modifying the affinity of the sequence by the MZF1 transcription factor. PLA2G5 polymorphisms were in linkage disequilibrium and the CGA haplotype was associated with increased risk of premature CAD (OR = 1.49, P = 0.0023) and with hypertension in these patients (OR = 1.75, P = 0.0072). Our results demonstrate the association of the PLA2G5 rs11573191 polymorphism with premature CAD. In our study, it was possible to distinguish one haplotype associated with increased risk of premature CAD and hypertension.

Clinical and biological role of secretory phospholipase A2 in acute respiratory distress syndrome infants

INTRODUCTION

Secretory phospholipase A2 is supposed to play a role in acute lung injury but no data are available for pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It is not clear which enzyme subtypes are secreted and what the relationships are between enzyme activity, biophysical and biochemical parameters, and clinical outcomes. We aimed to measure the enzyme and identify its subtypes and to study its biochemical and biophysical effect. The secondary aim was to correlate enzyme activity with clinical outcome.

METHODS

Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in 24 infants with ARDS and 14 controls with no lung disease. Samples were assayed for secretory phospholipase A2 and molecules related to its activity and expression. Western blotting and captive bubble surfactometry were also performed. Clinical data were real time downloaded.

RESULTS

Tumor necrosis factor-α (814 (506-2,499) vs. 287 (111-1,315) pg/mL; P = 0.04), enzyme activity (430 (253-600) vs. 149 (61-387) IU/mL; P = 0.01), free fatty acids (4.3 (2.8-8.6) vs. 2 (0.8-4.6) mM; P = 0.026), and minimum surface tension (25.6 ± 6.1 vs. 18 ± 1.8 mN/m; P = 0.006) were higher in ARDS than in controls. Phospholipids are lower in ARDS than in controls (76.5 (54-100) vs. 1,094 (536-2,907) μg/mL; P = 0.0001). Three enzyme subtypes were identified (-IIA, -V, -X), although in lower quantities in controls; another subtype (-IB) was mainly detected in ARDS. Significant correlations exist between enzyme activity, free fatty acids (ρ = 0.823; P < 0.001), and surface tension (ρ = 0.55; P < 0.028). Correlations also exist with intensive care stay (ρ = 0.54; P = 0.001), PRISM-III24 (ρ = 0.79; P< 0.001), duration of ventilation (ρ = 0.53; P = 0.002), and oxygen therapy (ρ = 0.54; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Secretory phospholipase A2 activity is raised in pediatric ARDS and constituted of four subtypes. Enzyme correlates with some inflammatory mediators, surface tension, and major clinical outcomes. Secretory phospholipase A2 may be a clinically relevant target in pediatric ARDS.

Group V secretory phospholipase A2 is involved in macrophage activation and is sufficient for macrophage effector functions in allergic pulmonary inflammation

We reported that Pla2g5-null mice lacking group V secretory phospholipase A2 (gV-sPLA2) showed reduced eosinophilic pulmonary inflammation and Th2 cytokine generation when challenged with an extract from house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae, compared with wild-type (WT) controls. Adoptive transfer studies suggested that gV-sPLA2 in dendritic cells was necessary for sensitization of Pla2g5-null mice, but was not sufficient to induce the effector phase of pulmonary inflammation. In this study, we demonstrate that gV-sPLA2 is inducibly expressed in mouse and human macrophages (M) activated by IL-4 and is required for the acquisition of M effector functions that facilitate the effector phase of pulmonary inflammation. We demonstrate that gV-sPLA2 expression in M is sufficient for the development of pulmonary inflammation, even when inflammation is induced by intrapulmonary administration of IL-4. The concentrations of CCL22/CCL17 and effector T cell recruitment are severely impaired in Pla2g5-null mice. Intratracheal transfers of enriched CD68(+) cells isolated from the lungs of D. farinae-challenged WT donor mice induce eosinophilia, chemokine production, and recruitment of T cells into the lungs of Pla2g5-null recipients previously sensitized by WT D. farinae-loaded dendritic cells. Our studies identified a unique function of gV-sPLA2 in activation of M and in their capacity to recruit T cells to amplify the effector phase of pulmonary inflammation.

Secretory phospholipase A2-mediated depletion of phosphatidylglycerol in early acute respiratory distress syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2) hydrolyze phospholipids in cell membranes and extracellular structures such as pulmonary surfactant. This study tests the hypothesis that sPLA2 are elevated in human lungs during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and that sPLA2 levels are associated with surfactant injury by hydrolysis of surfactant phospholipids.

METHODS

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was obtained from 18 patients with early ARDS (<72 hours) and compared with samples from 10 healthy volunteers. Secreted phospholipase A2 levels were measured (enzyme activity and enzyme immunoassay) in conjunction with ARDS subjects' surfactant abnormalities including surfactant phospholipid composition, large and small aggregates distribution and surface tension function.

RESULTS

BAL sPLA2 enzyme activity was markedly elevated in ARDS samples relative to healthy subjects when measured by ex vivo hydrolysis of both phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). Enzyme immunoassay identified increased PLA2G2A protein in the ARDS BAL fluid, which was strongly correlated with the sPLA2 enzyme activity against PG. Of particular interest, the authors demonstrated an average depletion of 69% of the PG in the ARDS sample large aggregates relative to the normal controls. Furthermore, the sPLA2 enzyme activity against PG and PC ex vivo correlated with the BAL recovery of in vivo PG and PC, respectively, and also correlated with the altered distribution of the large and small surfactant aggregates.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the hypothesis that sPLA2-mediated hydrolysis of surfactant phospholipid, especially PG by PLA2G2A, contributes to surfactant injury during early ARDS.

Biallelic mutations in PLA2G5, encoding group V phospholipase A2, cause benign fleck retina

Flecked-retina syndromes, including fundus flavimaculatus, fundus albipunctatus, and benign fleck retina, comprise a group of disorders with widespread or limited distribution of yellow-white retinal lesions of various sizes and configurations. Three siblings who have benign fleck retina and were born to consanguineous parents are the basis of this report. A combination of homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing helped to identify a homozygous missense mutation, c.133G>T (p.Gly45Cys), in PLA2G5, a gene encoding a secreted phospholipase (group V phospholipase A(2)). A screen of a further four unrelated individuals with benign fleck retina detected biallelic variants in the same gene in three patients. In contrast, no loss of function or common (minor-allele frequency>0.05%) nonsynonymous PLA2G5 variants have been previously reported (EVS, dbSNP, 1000 Genomes Project) or were detected in an internal database of 224 exomes (from subjects with adult onset neurodegenerative disease and without a diagnosis of ophthalmic disease). All seven affected individuals had fundoscopic features compatible with those previously described in benign fleck retina and no visual or electrophysiological deficits. No medical history of major illness was reported. Levels of low-density lipoprotein were mildly elevated in two patients. Optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence findings suggest that group V phospholipase A(2) plays a role in the phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer-segment discs by the retinal pigment epithelium. Surprisingly, immunohistochemical staining of human retinal tissue revealed localization of the protein predominantly in the inner and outer plexiform layers.

Surfactant protein B inhibits secretory phospholipase A2 hydrolysis of surfactant phospholipids

Hydrolysis of surfactant phospholipids (PL) by secretory phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)) contributes to surfactant damage in inflammatory airway diseases such as acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome. We and others have reported that each sPLA(2) exhibits specificity in hydrolyzing different PLs in pulmonary surfactant and that the presence of hydrophilic surfactant protein A (SP-A) alters sPLA(2)-mediated hydrolysis. This report tests the hypothesis that hydrophobic SP-B also inhibits sPLA(2)-mediated surfactant hydrolysis. Three surfactant preparations were used containing varied amounts of SP-B and radiolabeled tracers of phosphatidylcholine (PC) or phosphatidylglycerol (PG): 1) washed ovine surfactant (OS) (pre- and postorganic extraction) compared with Survanta (protein poor), 2) Survanta supplemented with purified bovine SP-B (1-5%, wt/wt), and 3) a mixture of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC), and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) (DPPC:POPC:POPG, 40:40:20) prepared as vesicles and monomolecular films in the presence or absence of SP-B. Hydrolysis of PG and PC by Group IB sPLA(2) (PLA2G1A) was significantly lower in the extracted OS, which contains SP-B, compared with Survanta (P = 0.005), which is SP-B poor. Hydrolysis of PG and PC in nonextracted OS, which contains all SPs, was lower than both Survanta and extracted OS. When Survanta was supplemented with 1% SP-B, PG and PC hydrolysis by PLA2G1B was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than in Survanta alone. When supplemented into pure lipid vesicles and monomolecular films composed of PG and PC mixtures, SP-B also inhibited hydrolysis by both PLA2G1B and Group IIA sPLA2 (PLA2G2A). In films, PLA2G1B hydrolyzed surfactant PL monolayers at surface pressures ≤30 mN/m (P < 0.01), and SP-B lowered the surface pressure range at which hydrolysis can occur. These results suggest the hydrophobic SP, SP-B, protects alveolar surfactant PL from hydrolysis mediated by multiple sPLA(2) in both vesicles (alveolar subphase) and monomolecular films (air-liquid interface).

Group V phospholipase A2 in bone marrow-derived myeloid cells and bronchial epithelial cells promotes bacterial clearance after Escherichia coli pneumonia

Group V-secreted phospholipase A(2) (GV sPLA(2)) hydrolyzes bacterial phospholipids and initiates eicosanoid biosynthesis. Here, we elucidate the role of GV sPLA(2) in the pathophysiology of Escherichia coli pneumonia. Inflammatory cells and bronchial epithelial cells both express GV sPLA(2) after pulmonary E. coli infection. GV(-/-) mice accumulate fewer polymorphonuclear leukocytes in alveoli, have higher levels of E. coli in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung, and develop respiratory acidosis, more severe hypothermia, and higher IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels than GV(+/+) mice after pulmonary E. coli infection. Eicosanoid levels in bronchoalveolar lavage are similar in GV(+/+) and GV(-/-) mice after lung E. coli infection. In contrast, GV(+/+) mice have higher levels of prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)), PGF(2α), and 15-keto-PGE(2) in lung and express higher levels of ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 on pulmonary endothelial cells than GV(-/-) mice after lung infection with E. coli. Selective deletion of GV sPLA(2) in non-myeloid cells impairs leukocyte accumulation after pulmonary E. coli infection, and lack of GV sPLA(2) in either bone marrow-derived myeloid cells or non-myeloid cells attenuates E. coli clearance from the alveolar space and the lung parenchyma. These observations show that GV sPLA(2) in bone marrow-derived myeloid cells as well as non-myeloid cells, which are likely bronchial epithelial cells, participate in the regulation of the innate immune response to pulmonary infection with E. coli.

Drastic changes in the tissue-specific expression of secreted phospholipases A2 in chicken pulmonary disease

Infectious bronchitis is one of the most important diseases in poultry and it causes major economic losses. Infectious bronchitis is an acute, highly contagious, viral disease of chickens, characterized by rales, coughing, and sneezing.

Because secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2) are involved in inflammatory processes, the gene expressions of sPLA2s were investigated in both healthy chickens and chickens with infectious bronchitis and lung inflammation. The draft chicken genome was first scanned using human sPLA2 sequences to identify chicken sPLA2s (ChPLA2), chicken total mRNA were isolated and RT-PCR experiments were performed to amplify and then sequence orthologous cDNAs. Full-length cDNA sequences of ChPLA2-IB, -IIA, -IIE, -V and -X were cloned. The high degree of sequence identity of 50–70% between the avian and mammalian (human and mouse) sPLA2 orthologs suggests a conservation of important enzymatic functions for these phospholipases.

Quantitation by qPCR of the transcript levels of ChPLA2-IB, -IIA, -IIE, -V and -X in several tissues from healthy chicken indicated that the expression patterns and mRNA levels diverged among the phospholipases tested. In chicken with infectious bronchitis, an over expression of ChPLA2-V was observed in lungs and spleen in comparison with healthy chicken. These findings suggest that ChPLA2-V could be a potential biomarker for lung inflammation. Conversely, a down regulation of ChPLA2-IB, -IIA and -X was observed in lungs and spleen in case of infectious bronchitis. A significant increase in the expression level of ChPLA2-X and ChPLA2-IB was also noticed in pancreas. No or minor changes have been detected in the expression of ChPLA2-IIE in lungs and small intestine, but it shows a significant increase in several infected tissues.

Group X secreted phospholipase A2 proenzyme is matured by a furin-like proprotein convertase and releases arachidonic acid inside of human HEK293 cells

Among mammalian secreted phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)s), group X sPLA(2) has the most potent hydrolyzing activity toward phosphatidylcholine and is involved in arachidonic acid (AA) release. Group X sPLA(2) is produced as a proenzyme and contains a short propeptide of 11 amino acids ending with a dibasic motif, suggesting cleavage by proprotein convertases. Although the removal of this propeptide is clearly required for enzymatic activity, the cellular location and the protease(s) involved in proenzyme conversion are unknown. Here we have analyzed the maturation of group X sPLA(2) in HEK293 cells, which have been extensively used to analyze sPLA(2)-induced AA release. Using recombinant mouse (PromGX) and human (ProhGX) proenzymes; HEK293 cells transfected with cDNAs coding for full-length ProhGX, PromGX, and propeptide mutants; and various permeable and non-permeable sPLA(2) inhibitors and protease inhibitors, we demonstrate that group X sPLA(2) is mainly converted intracellularly and releases AA before externalization from the cell. Most strikingly, the exogenous proenzyme does not elicit AA release, whereas the transfected proenzyme does elicit AA release in a way insensitive to non-permeable sPLA(2) inhibitors. In transfected cells, a permeable proprotein convertase inhibitor, but not a non-permeable one, prevents group X sPLA(2) maturation and partially blocks AA release. Mutations at the dibasic motif of the propeptide indicate that the last basic residue is required and sufficient for efficient maturation and AA release. All together, these results argue for the intracellular maturation of group X proenzyme in HEK293 cells by a furin-like proprotein convertase, leading to intracellular release of AA during secretion.

Secreted phospholipase A2 revisited

Phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) catalyses the hydrolysis of the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids to yield fatty acids and lysophospholipids. So far, more than 30 enzymes that possess PLA(2) or related activity have been identified in mammals. About one third of these enzymes belong to the secreted PLA(2) (sPLA(2)) family, which comprises low molecular weight, Ca(2+) requiring, secreted enzymes with a His/Asp catalytic dyad. Individual sPLA(2)s display distinct localizations and enzymatic properties, suggesting their specialized biological roles. However, in contrast to intracellular PLA(2)s, whose roles in signal transduction and membrane homoeostasis have been well documented, the biological roles of sPLA(2)s in vivo have remained obscure until recently. Over the past decade, information fuelled by studies employing knockout and transgenic mice as well as specific inhibitors, in combination with lipidomics, has clarified when and where the different sPLA(2) isoforms are expressed, which isoforms are involved in what types of pathophysiology, and how they exhibit their specific functions. In this review, we highlight recent advances in PLA(2) research, focusing mainly on the physiological functions of sPLA(2)s and their modes of action on 'extracellular' phospholipid targets versus lipid mediator production.

Inhibition of secretory phospholipase A2 activity attenuates acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema induced by isoproterenol infusion in mice after myocardial infarction

Several types of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) are expressed in lung tissue, yielding various eicosanoids that might cause pulmonary edema. This study examined whether inhibition of sPLA2 activity attenuates acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema in mice. Acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema was induced in C57BL/6J male mice by an increase in heart rate with continuous intravenous infusion of isoproterenol (ISP) (10 mg/kg/h) at 2 weeks after the creation of myocardial infarction by left coronary artery ligation. Just before ISP infusion, a single intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg LY374388, a prodrug of LY329722 that inhibits sPLA2 activity, or vehicle was administered. The ISP infusion after myocardial infarction induced interstitial and alveolar edema on lung histology. Furthermore, it increased the lung-to-body weight ratio, pulmonary vascular permeability evaluated by the Evans blue extravasation method, lung activity of sPLA2, and lung content of thromboxane A2 and leukotriene B4. These changes were significantly attenuated by LY374388 treatment. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the survival rate during the ISP infusion after myocardial infarction was significantly higher in LY374388- than in vehicle-treated mice. Similar results were obtained with another inhibitor of sPLA2 activity, para-bromophenacyl bromide. In conclusion, inhibition of sPLA2 activity suppressed acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

Integrated lipidomics in the secreted phospholipase A(2) biology

Mammalian genomes encode genes for more than 30 phospholipase A(2)s (PLA(2)s) or related enzymes, which are subdivided into several subgroups based on their structures, catalytic mechanisms, localizations and evolutionary relationships. More than one third of the PLA(2) enzymes belong to the secreted PLA(2) (sPLA(2)) family, which consists of low-molecular-weight, Ca(2+)-requiring extracellular enzymes, with a His-Asp catalytic dyad. Individual sPLA(2) isoforms exhibit unique tissue and cellular localizations and enzymatic properties, suggesting their distinct pathophysiological roles. Recent studies using transgenic and knockout mice for several sPLA(2) isoforms, in combination with lipidomics approaches, have revealed their distinct contributions to various biological events. Herein, we will describe several examples of sPLA(2)-mediated phospholipid metabolism in vivo, as revealed by integrated analysis of sPLA(2) transgenic/knockout mice and lipid mass spectrometry. Knowledge obtained from this approach greatly contributes to expanding our understanding of the sPLA(2) biology and pathophysiology.

Recent progress in phospholipase A₂ research: from cells to animals to humans

Mammalian genomes encode genes for more than 30 phospholipase A₂s (PLA₂s) or related enzymes, which are subdivided into several classes including low-molecular-weight secreted PLA₂s (sPLA₂s), Ca²+-dependent cytosolic PLA₂s (cPLA₂s), Ca²+-independent PLA₂s (iPLA₂s), platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolases (PAF-AHs), lysosomal PLA₂s, and a recently identified adipose-specific PLA. Of these, the intracellular cPLA₂ and iPLA₂ families and the extracellular sPLA₂ family are recognized as the "big three". From a general viewpoint, cPLA₂α (the prototypic cPLA₂ plays a major role in the initiation of arachidonic acid metabolism, the iPLA₂ family contributes to membrane homeostasis and energy metabolism, and the sPLA₂ family affects various biological events by modulating the extracellular phospholipid milieus. The cPLA₂ family evolved along with eicosanoid receptors when vertebrates first appeared, whereas the diverse branching of the iPLA₂ and sPLA₂ families during earlier eukaryote development suggests that they play fundamental roles in life-related processes. During the past decade, data concerning the unexplored roles of various PLA₂ enzymes in pathophysiology have emerged on the basis of studies using knockout and transgenic mice, the use of specific inhibitors, and information obtained from analysis of human diseases caused by mutations in PLA₂ genes. This review focuses on current understanding of the emerging biological functions of PLA₂s and related enzymes.

Inhibition of secretory phospholipase A2 activity attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in a mouse model

This study evaluated the hypothesis that LY374388, an inhibitor of secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) activity, may exert a protective effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury in male C57BL/6J mice. Intratracheal administration of LPS increased histopathological changes in lung tissue, lung wet to dry ratios, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid levels of neutrophil numbers, sPLA(2) activity, leukotriene B(4), and thromboxane B(2). However, a simultaneous intraperitoneal treatment with LY374388 significantly attenuated these LPS-induced changes. Thus, inhibition of sPLA(2) activity significantly attenuated the acute lung injury induced by LPS. sPLA(2) played an important role in the pathogenesis of LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice.

Emerging roles of secreted phospholipase A2 enzymes: Lessons from transgenic and knockout mice

Among the emerging phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) superfamily, the secreted PLA(2) (sPLA(2)) family consists of low-molecular-mass, Ca(2+)-requiring extracellular enzymes with a His-Asp catalytic dyad. To date, more than 10 sPLA(2) enzymes have been identified in mammals. Individual sPLA(2)s exhibit unique tissue and cellular localizations and enzymatic properties, suggesting their distinct pathophysiological roles. Despite numerous enzymatic and cell biological studies on this enzyme family in the past two decades, their precise in vivo functions still remain largely obscure. Recent studies using transgenic and knockout mice for several sPLA(2) enzymes, in combination with lipidomics approaches, have opened new insights into their distinct contributions to various biological events such as food digestion, host defense, inflammation, asthma and atherosclerosis. In this article, we overview the latest understanding of the pathophysiological functions of individual sPLA(2) isoforms fueled by studies employing transgenic and knockout mice for several sPLA(2)s.

Secreted phospholipases A(2): A proinflammatory connection between macrophages and mast cells in the human lung

Secretory phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)) are an emerging class of mediators of inflammation. These enzymes accumulate in plasma and other biological fluids of patients with inflammatory, autoimmune and allergic diseases. sPLA(2)s are secreted at low levels in the normal airways and tend to increase during inflammatory lung diseases (e.g. bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung fibrosis, and sarcoidosis) as the result of plasma extravasation and/or local production. Such immune resident cells as macrophages and mast cells can be a source of sPLA(2)s in the lung. However, these cells are also targets for sPLA(2)s that sustain the activation programs of macrophages and mast cells with mechanism related to their enzymatic activity as well as to their capacity to interact with surface molecules (e.g., heparan sulfate proteoglycans, M-type receptor, mannose receptor). Recent evidence suggests that mast cells are a better source of extracellular sPLA(2)s than macrophages. On the other hand, macrophages appear to be a preferential target for sPLA(2)s. Anatomical association between macrophages and mast cells in the airways suggest that sPLA(2)s released by mast cells may activate in a paracrine fashion several macrophage functions relevant to the modulation of lung inflammation. Thus, sPLA(2)s may play a major role in inflammatory lung diseases by acting as a proinflammatory connection between macrophages and mast cells.

Phospholipase A2 subclasses in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) catalyse the cleavage of fatty acids esterified at the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids. In acute lung injury-acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI-ARDS) several distinct isoenzymes appear in lung cells and fluid. Some are capable to trigger molecular events leading to enhanced inflammation and lung damage and others have a role in lung surfactant recycling preserving lung function: Secreted forms (groups sPLA2-IIA, -V, -X) can directly hydrolyze surfactant phospholipids. Cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2-IVA) requiring Ca2+ has a preference for arachidonate, the precursor of eicosanoids which participate in the inflammatory response in the lung. Ca(2+)-independent intracellular PLA2s (iPLA2) take part in surfactant phospholipids turnover within alveolar cells. Acidic Ca(2+)-independent PLA2 (aiPLA2), of lysosomal origin, has additionally antioxidant properties, (peroxiredoxin VI activity), and participates in the formation of dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine in lung surfactant. PAF-AH degrades PAF, a potent mediator of inflammation, and oxidatively fragmented phospholipids but also leads to toxic metabolites. Therefore, the regulation of PLA2 isoforms could be a valuable approach for ARDS treatment.

Importance of group X-secreted phospholipase A2 in allergen-induced airway inflammation and remodeling in a mouse asthma model

Arachidonic acid metabolites, the eicosanoids, are key mediators of allergen-induced airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma. The availability of free arachidonate in cells for subsequent eicosanoid biosynthesis is controlled by phospholipase A₂s (PLA₂s), most notably cytosolic PLA₂-α. 10 secreted PLA₂s (sPLA₂s) have also been identified, but their function in eicosanoid generation is poorly understood. We investigated the role of group X sPLA₂ (sPLA₂-X), the sPLA₂ with the highest in vitro cellular phospholipolysis activity, in acute and chronic mouse asthma models in vivo. The lungs of sPLA₂-X^−/− mice, compared with those of sPLA₂-X^+/+ littermates, had significant reduction in ovalbumin-induced infiltration by CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells and eosinophils, goblet cell metaplasia, smooth muscle cell layer thickening, subepithelial fibrosis, and levels of T helper type 2 cell cytokines and eicosanoids. These data direct attention to sPLA₂-X as a novel therapeutic target for asthma.

Inhibition of Secreted Phospholipase A2. 4-Glycerol Derivatives of 4,5-Dihydro-3-(4-tetradecyloxybenzyl)-1,2,4-4H-oxadiazol-5-one with Broad Activities

Secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) have been reported to play an important role in various inflammatory conditions and thus represent an attractive therapeutic target. Previous SAR studies from our laboratory have revealed certain important features of our recently discovered specific hGIIA sPLA2 inhibitors, and we report here the synthesis and biological activities of glycerol-containing derivatives of our lead compound III (Figure 1). Efficient and selective synthesis methods have been developed to make glycerol trisubstituted by different groups on desired positions. In terms of biological activities, the best compounds (A3, A6, and A15) are more active than III (Figure 1), as potent as Me-Indoxam, an sPLA2s inhibitor of reference, against hGIIA, hGV, and hGX sPLA2s and at least 10 times less active toward the GIB enzymes in two in vitro assay systems. By synthesis of enantiopure (S)-A6, we demonstrated that no important improvement of the inhibitory potency could be achieved by this approach. Furthermore, the results show that the global lipophilicity is likely responsible for the anti-PLA2 activity and two oxadiazolone moieties seem too big to be accommodated by the active site of the hGIIA enzyme.

Transgenic expression of group V, but not group X, secreted phospholipase A2 in mice leads to neonatal lethality because of lung dysfunction

In an effort to elucidate the functions of secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) enzymes in vivo, we generated transgenic (Tg) mice for group V sPLA2 (sPLA2-V) and group X sPLA2 (sPLA2-X), which act potently on phosphatidylcholine in vitro. We found that sPLA2-V Tg mice died in the neonatal period because of respiratory failure. The lungs of sPLA2-V Tg mice exhibited atelectasis with thickened alveolar walls and narrow air spaces, accompanied by infiltration of macrophages and only modest changes in eicosanoid levels. This severe pulmonary defect in sPLA2-V Tg mice was attributable to marked reduction of the lung surfactant phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol. Given that the expression of sPLA2-V is greatly elevated in human lungs with severe inflammation, our present results raise the intriguing possibility that this isozyme may contribute to ongoing surfactant hydrolysis often observed in the lungs of patients with respiratory distress syndrome. In contrast, sPLA2-X Tg neonates displayed minimal abnormality of the respiratory tract with normal alveolar architecture and surfactant composition. This unexpected result was likely because sPLA2-X protein existed as an inactive zymogen in most tissues. The active form of sPLA2-X was detected in tissues with inflammatory granulation in sPLA2-X Tg mice. These results suggest that sPLA2-X mostly remains inactive under physiological conditions and that its proteolytic activation occurs during inflammation or other as yet unidentified circumstances in vivo.

Activation of human inflammatory cells by secreted phospholipases A2

Secreted phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)s) are enzymes detected in serum and biological fluids of patients with various inflammatory, autoimmune and allergic disorders. Different isoforms of sPLA(2)s are expressed and released by human inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, T cells, monocytes, macrophages and mast cells. sPLA(2)s generate arachidonic acid and lysophospholipids thus contributing to the production of bioactive lipid mediators in inflammatory cells. However, sPLA(2)s also activate human inflammatory cells by mechanisms unrelated to their enzymatic activity. Several human and non-human sPLA(2)s induce degranulation of mast cells, neutrophils and eosinophils and activate exocytosis in macrophages. In addition some, but not all, sPLA(2) isoforms promote cytokine and chemokine production from macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and endothelial cells. These effects are primarily mediated by binding of sPLA(2)s to specific membrane targets (heparan sulfate proteoglycans, M-type, N-type or mannose receptors) expressed on effector cells. Thus, sPLA(2)s may play an important role in the initiation and amplification of inflammatory reactions by at least two mechanisms: production of lipid mediators and direct activation of inflammatory cells. Selective inhibitors of sPLA(2)-enzymatic activity and specific antagonists of sPLA(2) receptors are current being tested for pharmacological treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Lysophospholipid and fatty acid inhibition of pulmonary surfactant: non-enzymatic models of phospholipase A2 surfactant hydrolysis

Secretory A(2) phospholipases (sPLA(2)) hydrolyze surfactant phospholipids cause surfactant dysfunction and are elevated in lung inflammation. Phospholipase-mediated surfactant hydrolysis may disrupt surfactant function by generation of lysophospholipids and free fatty acids and/or depletion of native phospholipids. In this study, we quantitatively assessed multiple mechanisms of sPLA(2)-mediated surfactant dysfunction using non-enzymatic models including supplementation of surfactants with exogenous lysophospholipids and free fatty acids. Our data demonstrated lysophospholipids at levels >or=10 mol% of total phospholipid (i.e., >or=10% hydrolysis) led to a significant increase in minimum surface tension and increased the time to achieve a normal minimum surface tension. Lysophospholipid inhibition of surfactant function was independent of the lysophospholipid head group or total phospholipid concentration. Free fatty acids (palmitic acid, oleic acid) alone had little effect on minimum surface tension, but did increase the maximum surface tension and the time to achieve normal minimum surface tension. The combined effect of equimolar free fatty acids and lysophospholipids was not different from the effect of lysophospholipids alone for any measurement of surfactant function. Surfactant proteins did not change the percent lysophospholipids required to increase minimum surface tension. As a mechanism that causes surfactant dysfunction, depletion of native phospholipids required much greater change (equivalent to >80% hydrolysis) than generation of lysophospholipids. In summary, generation of lysophospholipids is the principal mechanism of phospholipase-mediated surfactant injury in our non-enzymatic models. These models and findings will assist in understanding more complex in vitro and in vivo studies of phospholipase-mediated surfactant injury.

Secretory phospholipases A2 in inflammatory and allergic diseases: not just enzymes

Secretory phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)s) are molecules released in plasma and biologic fluids of patients with systemic inflammatory, autoimmune, and allergic diseases. Several sPLA(2) isoforms are expressed and released by such human inflammatory cells as neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, T cells, monocytes, macrophages, and mast cells. Certain sPLA(2)s release arachidonic acid, thereby providing the substrate for the biosynthesis of proinflammatory eicosanoids. However, there are other mechanisms by which sPLA(2)s might participate in the synthesis of lipid mediators. Interestingly, sPLA(2)s activate inflammatory cells through mechanisms unrelated to their enzymatic activity. Several sPLA(2)s induce degranulation of mast cells and eosinophils and activate exocytosis in macrophages. Furthermore, sPLA(2)s promote cytokine and chemokine production from macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and endothelial cells. Some of these effects are mediated by the binding of sPLA(2)s to specific receptors expressed on effector cells. Thus sPLA(2)s might play important roles in the initiation and amplification of the inflammatory reaction. Selective inhibitors of sPLA(2)s and specific antagonists of sPLA(2) receptors might prove useful in the treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases, such as bronchial asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cell culture models of the respiratory tract relevant to pulmonary drug delivery

The respiratory tract holds promise as an alternative site of drug delivery due to fast absorption and rapid onset of drug action, with avoidance of hepatic and intestinal first-pass metabolism as an additional benefit compared to oral drug delivery. At present, the pharmaceutical industry increasingly relies on appropriate in vitro models for the faster evaluation of drug absorption and metabolism as an alternative to animal testing. This article reviews the various existing cell culture systems that may be applied as in vitro models of the human air-blood barrier, for instance, in order to enable the screening of large numbers of new drug candidates at low cost with high reliability and within a short time span. Apart from such screening, cell culture-based in vitro systems may also contribute to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of drug transport across such epithelial tissues, and the mechanisms of action how advanced drug carriers, such as nanoparticles or liposomes, can help to overcome these barriers. After all, the increasing use and acceptance of such in vitro models may lead to a significant acceleration of the drug development process by facilitating the progress into clinical studies and product registration.

Expression of secretory phospholipase A2 enzymes in lungs of humans with pneumonia and their potential prostaglandin-synthetic function in human lung-derived cells

Although a number of sPLA2 (secretory phospholipase A2) enzymes have been identified in mammals, the localization and functions of individual enzymes in human pathologic tissues still remain obscure. In the present study, we have examined the expression and function of sPLA2s in human lung-derived cells and in human lungs with pneumonia. Group IID, V and X sPLA2s were expressed in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and normal human pulmonary fibroblasts with distinct requirement for cytokines (interleukin-1b, tumour necrosis factor a and interferon-g). Lentivirus- or adenovirus-mediated transfection of various sPLA2s into BEAS-2B or normal human pulmonary fibroblast cells revealed that group V and X sPLA2s increased arachidonate release and prostaglandin production in both cell types, whereas group IIA and IID sPLA2s failed to do so. Immunohistochemistry of human lungs with pneumonia demonstrated that group V and X sPLA2s were widely expressed in the airway epithelium, interstitium and alveolar macrophages, in which group IID sPLA2 was also positive, whereas group IIA sPLA2 was restricted to the pulmonary arterial smooth muscle layers and bronchial chondrocytes, and group IIE and IIF sPLA2s were minimally detected. These results suggest that group V and X sPLA2s affect lung pathogenesis by facilitating arachidonate metabolism or possibly through other functions.

Neuronal Expression and Neuritogenic Action of Group X Secreted Phospholipase A2

Although individual mammalian secreted phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) enzymes exhibit unique tissue and cellular distributions, the cell type-specific functions of each enzyme remain largely unknown. In this study, we found by immunohistochemistry that group X sPLA(2) (sPLA(2)-X) is uniquely located in the peripheral neuronal fibers, an observation that was supported by detection of its transcript and protein in the neuronal cell line PC12 and in primary dorsal root ganglia neurons. Adenoviral expression of sPLA(2)-X in PC12 cells facilitated neurite outgrowth, particularly when combined with a suboptimal concentration of nerve growth factor. In neuronally differentiated PC12 cells, sPLA(2)-X was preferentially localized in the Golgi apparatus and growth cones, and proteolytic conversion of the proenzyme to mature enzyme mainly occurred after the secretion process. The neurite-extending ability of sPLA(2)-X depended on the production of its catalytic product, lysophosphatidylcholine. Moreover, nerve growth factor-induced neurite extension of PC12 cells was modestly but significantly attenuated by an anti-sPLA(2)-X antibody or by a small interfering RNA for sPLA(2)-X. These observations suggest the potential contribution of sPLA(2)-X to neuronal differentiation, and possibly repair, under certain conditions.

Impact of a soluble phospholipase A2 inhibitor on inhaled allergen challenge in subjects with asthma

The possible roles of secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2) in asthma include the release of arachidonic acid from cellular membranes, generation of lysophospholipids, sPLA2-mediated activation of cPLA2 with increased leukotriene production, and surfactant degradation. LY333013 is a potent inhibitor of sPLA2. This study examined the impact of two doses of LY333013 vs. placebo on allergen-induced bronchoconstriction following inhaled allergen challenge in atopic asthmatics. Fifty subjects were randomly assigned to treatment, and 40 subjects completed the study. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, random order, crossover study design was used. LY333013 had no impact on the primary outcome variables of the areas under the FEV1 response curve early (0-3 hours) (AUC(early)) and late (3-8 hours) (AUC(Iate)) following inhaled allergen challenge. No significant drug-related adverse effects were observed. The response to inhaled allergen challenge was reproducible and confirms the utility of this technique as a model in which to screen compounds for further testing in asthmatic patients.

Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays of the complete set of secreted phospholipases A2 in human serum

Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays (TR-FIA) were developed for all human secreted phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)), viz. group (G) IB, GIIA, GIID, GIIE, GIIF, GIII, GV, GX and GXIIA PLA(2) and the GXIIB PLA(2)-like protein. Antibodies were raised in rabbits against recombinant human PLA(2) proteins and used in sandwich-type TR-FIAs as both catching and detecting antibodies, the latter after labeling with Europium. The antibodies were non-cross-reactive. The analytical sensitivities were 1 microg/L for the TR-FIA for GIB PLA(2), 1 microg/L (GIIA), 35 microg/L (GIID), 3 microg/L (GIIE), 4 microg/L (GIIF), 14 microg/L (GIII), 11 microg/L (GV), 2 microg/L (GX), 92 microg/L (GXIIA) and 242 microg/L (GXIIB). All secreted PLA(2)s were assayed by these TR-FIAs in serum samples from 34 patients (23 men and 11 women, mean age 53.2 years) treated in an intensive care unit for septic infections, and in control samples from 28 volunteer blood donors (14 men and 14 women, mean age 57.0 years). Five serum samples (3 in the sepsis group and 2 in the blood donor group) gave high TR-FIA signals that were reduced to background (blank) levels by the addition of non-immune rabbit IgG to the sera. This reactivity was assumed to be due to the presence of heterophilic antibodies in these subjects. In all other subjects, including septic patients and healthy blood donors, the TR-FIA signals for GIID, GIIE, GIIF, GIII, GV, GX and GXIIA PLA(2) and the GXIIB PLA(2)-like protein were at background (blank) levels. Four patients in the sepsis group had pancreatic involvement and elevated concentration of GIB PLA(2) in serum (median 19.0 microg/L, range 13.1-33.7 microg/L, n = 4) as compared to the healthy blood donors (median 1.8 microg/L, range 0.8-3.4 microg/L, n = 28, P < 0.0001). The concentration of GIIA PLA(2) in the sera of septic patients (median 315.7 microg/L, range 15.9-979.6 microg/L, n = 34) was highly elevated as compared to that of the blood donors (median 1.8 microg/L, range 0.8-5.8 microg/L, n = 28, P < 0.0001). Our current results confirmed elevated concentrations of GIB and GIIA PLA(2) in the sera of patients suffering from acute pancreatitis or septic infections, respectively, as compared to healthy subjects. However, in the same serum samples, the concentrations of the other secreted PLA(2)s, viz. GIID, GIIE, GIIF, GIII, GV, GX and GXIIA PLA(2) and the GXIIB PLA(2)-like protein were below the respective analytical sensitivities of the TR-FIAs. It is concluded that generalized bacterial infections do not lead to elevated serum levels of GIIE, GIIF, GIII, GV and GX PLA(2)s above the detection limits of the current TR-FIAs.

Negative feedback between secretory and cytosolic phospholipase A2 and their opposing roles in ovalbumin-induced bronchoconstriction in rats

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) hydrolyzes cell membrane phospholipids (PL) to produce arachidonic acid and lyso-PL. The PLA2 enzymes include the secretory (sPLA2) and cytosolic (cPLA2) isoforms, which are assumed to act synergistically in production of eicosanoids that are involved in inflammatory processes. However, growing evidence raises the possibility that in airways and asthma-related inflammatory cells (eosinophils, basophils), the production of the bronchoconstrictor cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT) is linked exclusively to sPLA2, whereas the bronchodilator prostaglandin PGE2 is produced by cPLA2. It has been further reported that the capacity of airway epithelial cells to produce CysLT is inversely proportional to PGE2 production. This seems to suggest that sPLA2 and cPLA2 play opposing roles in asthma pathophysiology and the possibility of a negative feedback between the two isoenzymes. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of a cell-impermeable extracellular sPLA2 inhibitor on bronchoconstriction and PLA2 expression in rats with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. It was found that OVA-induced bronchoconstriction was associated with elevation of lung sPLA2 expression and CysLT production, concomitantly with suppression of cPLA2 expression and PGE2 production. These were reversed by treatment with the sPLA2 inhibitor, resulting in amelioration of bronchoconstriction and reduced CysLT production and sPLA2 expression, concomitantly with enhanced PGE2 production and cPLA2 expression. This study demonstrates, for the first time in vivo, a negative feedback between sPLA2 and cPLA2 and assigns opposing roles for these enzymes in asthma pathophysiology: sPLA2 activation induces production of the bronchoconstrictor CysLT and suppresses cPLA2 expression and the subsequent production of the bronchodilator PGE2.

Lysophospholipid generation and phosphatidylglycerol depletion in phospholipase A(2)-mediated surfactant dysfunction

Pulmonary surfactant's complex mixture of phospholipids and proteins reduces the work of breathing by lowering alveolar surface tension during respiration. One mechanism of surfactant damage appears to be the hydrolysis of phospholipid by phospholipases activated in the inflamed lung. Humans have several candidate secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) enzymes in lung cells and infiltrating leukocytes that could damage extracellular surfactant. We considered two mechanisms of surfactant disruption by five human sPLA(2)s, including generation of lysophospholipids and the depletion of specific phospholipids. All five sPLA(2)s studied ultimately caused surfactant dysfunction. Each enzyme exhibited a different pattern of hydrolysis of surfactant phospholipids. Phosphatidylcholine, the major phospholipid in surfactant and the greatest potential source for generation of lysophospholipids, was susceptible to hydrolysis by group IB, group V, and group X sPLA(2)s, but not group IIA or IID. Group IIA hydrolyzed both phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol, whereas group IID was active against only phosphatidylglycerol. Thus, with groups IB and X, the generation of lysophospholipids corresponded with surfactant dysfunction. However, hydrolysis of and depletion of phosphatidylglycerol had a greater correlation with surfactant dysfunction for groups IIA and IID. Surfactant dysfunction caused by group V sPLA(2) is less clear and may be the combined result of both mechanisms.

Surfactant phospholipid changes after antigen challenge: a role for phosphatidylglycerol in dysfunction

In asthma, inflammation-mediated surfactant dysfunction contributes to increased airway resistance, but the mechanisms for dysfunction are not understood. To test mechanisms that alter surfactant function, atopic asthmatics underwent endobronchial antigen challenge and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). BAL fluids were sequentially separated into cells, surfactant, and supernatant, and multiple end points were analyzed. Each end point's unique relationship to surfactant dysfunction was determined. Our results demonstrate that minimum surface tension (gamma(min)) of surfactant after antigen challenge was significantly increased with a spectrum of responses that included dysfunction in 6 of 13 asthmatics. Antigen challenge significantly altered the partitioning of surfactant phospholipid measured as a decreased ratio of large surfactant aggregates (LA) to small surfactant aggregates (SA), LA/SA ratio. Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) was significantly reduced in the LA of the dysfunctional asthmatic BALs. There was a corresponding significant increase in the ratio of phosphatidylcholine to PG, which strongly correlated with both increased gamma(min) and decreased LA/SA. Altered surfactant phospholipid properties correlated with surfactant dysfunction as well or better than either increased eosinophils or protein. Secretory phospholipase activity, measured in vitro, increased after antigen challenge and may explain the decrease in surfactant PG. In summary, alteration of phospholipids, particularly depletion of PG, in the LA of surfactant may be an important mechanism in asthma-associated surfactant dysfunction.

Secretory Phospholipase A2

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is a growing family of structurally related, disulfide-rich, low molecular weight, lipolytic enzymes with a His-Asp catalytic dyad. sPLA2s are distributed in a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate animals, plants, bacteria, and viruses, and there are 10 catalytically active sPLA2 isozymes in mammals. Although the structural bases for mammalian sPLA2s have been well documented, their physiological functions are still subject to debate. Individual mammalian sPLA2s have distinct enzymatic properties and display distinct tissue expression patterns, suggesting that each enzyme acts on distinct phospholipid membrane moieties in vivo. In this article, we briefly review our latest understanding of the possible physiological functions of sPLA2s, in keeping with their diverse actions on mammalian and nonmammalian cell membranes.

Amelioration of endotoxin-induced sepsis in rats by membrane anchored lipid conjugates

OBJECTIVE

In the pathogenesis of septic shock, caused by either bacterial toxins or trauma, increased production of multiple proinflammatory mediators, such as phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), cytokines, and chemokines, is known to be of major importance. The present study was undertaken to investigate the influence of a newly designed extracellular PLA(2) inhibitor (ExPLI) on synthesis of proinflammatory mediators and mortality rate in a rat sepsis model.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized animal study.

SETTING

Experimental laboratory.

SUBJECTS

Male Wistar-rats weighing 200-300 g.

INTERVENTIONS

Mortality was induced by intraperitoneal bolus administration of lipopolysaccharide 15 mg/kg in 22 rats that were pretreated with NaCl or ExPLI (150 mg/kg). Furthermore, nine rats received a sublethal bolus of lipopolysaccharide (7.5 mg/kg) and nine rats received lipotechoic acid (8 mg/kg) simultaneously with or after ExPLI administration. Blood samples were collected from these rats, and cytokine concentrations were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung and kidney were removed for RNA isolation and immunohistological analysis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

ExPLI treatment significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced mortality of rats (90.9 and 36.4%, p <.05). Up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 production in serum after endotoxin treatment was significantly inhibited when ExPLIs were administered at the time of or before sepsis induction by using lipopolysaccharide or lipotechoic acid (p <.01). Similarly, messenger RNA expression of secreted PLA(2)-IIA, interleukin-1, or inducible nitric oxide synthase and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were significantly down-regulated in lung and kidney of ExPLI-treated rats, as demonstrated by RNase protection assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, or immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS

ExPLIs may be considered as potentially effective compounds to prevent the production of inflammatory mediators and to improve mortality rate in septic patients.

Secreted phospholipase A2 enzymes as therapeutic targets

Homology cloning through in silico database search analysis has led to the definition of ten structurally-related mammalian secreted phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) enzyme forms at present, each expressed in a species-, genotype- and cell-type-specific manner and with different enzymatic properties. These studies have shown that models based on the premise that there is only one PLA(2) drug target are now inadequate. Type IIA sPLA(2) remains the most advanced clinical target, with rationally designed inhibitors in Phase II clinical trials. However, progress in our understanding of the functional role of the ten secreted enzymes in phospholipid (PL) metabolism and in eicosanoid-mediated disorders, together with their emerging activity-independent and receptor-mediated functions, is likely to significantly impact on current and future drug development efforts.

Localization of group IB phospholipase A(2) isoform in the gills of the red sea bream, Pagrus (Chrysophrys) major

We previously reported that PLA(2) activity in the gills is higher than that in other tissues in red sea bream and purified PLA(2) from the gills belongs to the group IB PLA(2) as well as other red sea bream PLA(2)s. In this study, we reconfirmed that the level of PLA(2) activity is extremely high in the gills compared with other tissues, and gill PLA(2) was detected only in the gills by immunoblotting and inhibition test using anti-gill PLA(2) monoclonal antibody. The level of PLA(2) activity and protein expression in the gills are well correlated. Fish can be roughly divided into high and low groups based on the level of PLA(2) activity. Gill PLA(2) was detected in the gills of the high group, but not the low group by immunoblotting. In the gills of the high group, gill PLA(2) was detected in the mucous cells and pavement cells located on the surface of gill epithelia by immunohistochemistry. On the other hand, positive signals were observed only in the mucous cells by in situ hybridization. We also isolated inactive proPLA(2), having AR propeptide, preceding the mature enzyme from the gill extract. These results suggest that gill PLA(2) is synthesized as an inactive proPLA(2) in the mucous cells and is secreted to the surface of gill epithelia.

Inhibition of LPS-induced chemokine production in human lung endothelial cells by lipid conjugates anchored to the membrane

1. In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by endotoxins, a high production of inflammatory mediators by microvascular lung endothelial cells (LMVEC) can be observed. Activation of cells by endotoxins may result in elevated secretion of phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) which is thought to contribute to tissue damage. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of sPLA(2) in chemokine production in human lung microvascular endothelial cells (LMVEC) stimulated with the endotoxins lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). In particular, we investigated the effects of sPLA(2) inhibitors, specifically, the extracellular PLA(2) inhibitors (ExPLIs), composed of N-derivatized phosphatidyl-ethanolamine linked to polymeric carriers, and LY311727, a specific inhibitor of non-pancreatic sPLA(2). 2. ExPLIs markedly inhibited LPS and LTA induced production and mRNA expression of the neutrophile attracting chemokines IL-8, Gro-alpha and ENA-78, as well as of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and E-selectin. Concomitantly, ExPLIs inhibited the LPS-induced activation of NF-kappaB by LPS but not its activation by TNF-alpha or IL-1. 3. Endotoxin mediated chemokine production in LMVEC seems not to involve PLA(2) activity, since LPS stimulation was not associated with activation of intracellular or secreted PLA(2). It therefore seems that the inhibitory effect of the ExPLIs was not due to their PLA(2) inhibiting capacity. This was supported by the finding that the LPS-induced chemokine production was not affected by the selective sPLA(2) inhibitor LY311727. 4. It is proposed that the ExPLIs may be considered a prototype of potent suppressors of specific endotoxin-induced inflammatory responses, with potential implications for the therapy of subsequent severe inflammation.

Quantitation of secretory group V phospholipase A(2) in human tissues by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

We have developed a sensitive sandwich ELISA (sELISA) for quantitative determination of group V phospholipase A(2) (gVPLA(2)). This assay utilizes three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against human gVPLA(2) (MCL-1B7, MCL-2A5, and MCL-3G1), which recognize specifically different epitopes of gVPLA(2). A mixture of MCL-1B7 and MCL-2A5 was used as the capture mAb, and MCL-3G1 as the detector mAb; purified human gVPLA(2) was used as the standard protein. The limit of detection of the sELISA is 2 ng/ml; the intra- and inter-coefficients of variation were 4.97+/-0.81% and 8.42+/-3.4%. The validity of the sELISA was assured by the recovery of exogenous recombinant gVPLA(2), which was 99.7% to 102%, and demonstration of noninterference of the gVPLA(2) assay by a high concentrations of other protein from murine lung and heart. To assess the usefulness of this sELISA for tissue measurements, the amount of gVPLA(2) in cultured human epithelial cells and isolated human eosinophils was determined. Total gVPLA(2) mass in epithelial cells was 2.83+/-0.33 ng/10(7) cells; gVPLA(2) was not detected in eosinophils. The presence of high concentration of gVPLA(2) in epithelial cells was confirmed by immunoprecipitation/Western blot analysis and by flow cytometry. This assay allows for convenient differentiation between the highly homologous 14-kDa secretory PLA(2)s, gVPLA(2), gIIaPLA(2), gIbPLA(2) and gXPLA(2), and accurate quantitation of gVPLA(2) in biological samples.