Lysophosphatidic acid enhances in vivo infiltration and activation of guinea pig eosinophils and neutrophils via a Rho/Rho-associated protein kinase-mediated pathway

Involvement of Lysophospholipids in Pulmonary Vascular Functions and Diseases

Extracellular lysophospholipids (lysophosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingosine 1-phosphate, etc.), which are synthesized from phospholipids in the cell membrane, act as lipid mediators, and mediate various cellular responses in constituent cells in the respiratory system, such as contraction, proliferation, migration, and cytoskeletal organization. In addition to these effects, the expression of the adhesion molecules is enhanced by these extracellular lysophospholipids in pulmonary endothelial cells. These effects are exerted via specific G protein-coupled receptors. Rho, Ras, and phospholipase C (PLC) have been proven to be their signaling pathways, related to Ca2+ signaling due to Ca2+ dynamics and Ca2+ sensitization. Therefore, lysophospholipids probably induce pulmonary vascular remodeling through phenotype changes in smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, likely resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome due to vascular leak, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary fibrosis. Moreover, lysophospholipids induce the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the lungs via the enhancement of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells, potentially leading to the development of asthma. These results demonstrate that lysophospholipids may be novel therapeutic targets not only for injury, fibrosis, and hypertension in the lung, but also for asthma. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of the effects of lysophospholipids on the respiratory system, and the possibility of precision medicine targeting lysophospholipids as treatable traits of these diseases.

Efficacy Comparison of LPA2 Antagonist H2L5186303 and Agonist GRI977143 on Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma in BALB/c Mice

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), an intercellular lipid mediator, is increased in the bronchoalveolar fluids of patients with asthma after allergen exposure. LPA administration exaggerates allergic responses, and the type 2 LPA receptor (LPA₂) has been reported as a therapeutic target for asthma. However, results with LPA₂ agonist and antagonist along with LPA₂ gene deficient mice have been controversial and contradictory. We compared the effects of LPA₂ antagonist (H2L5186303) and agonist (GRI977143) in a single experimental protocol of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma by treating drugs before antigen sensitization or challenge. H2L5186303 showed strong suppressive efficacy when administered before OVA sensitization and challenge, such as suppression of airway hyper responsiveness, inflammatory cytokine levels, mucin production, and eosinophil numbers. However, GRI977143 showed significant suppression when administered before an OVA challenge. Increases in eosinophil and lymphocyte counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, Th2 cytokine levels, inflammatory scores, and mucin production were differentially ameliorated by the two drugs. The results demonstrate the multiple roles of LPA₂ in asthmatic responses. We suggest that the development of LPA₂ antagonists would achieve better therapeutic efficacy against asthma than agonists.

Emerging Role of Phospholipase-Derived Cleavage Products in Regulating Eosinophil Activity: Focus on Lysophospholipids, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Eicosanoids

Eosinophils are important effector cells involved in allergic inflammation. When stimulated, eosinophils release a variety of mediators initiating, propagating, and maintaining local inflammation. Both, the activity and concentration of secreted and cytosolic phospholipases (PLAs) are increased in allergic inflammation, promoting the cleavage of phospholipids and thus the production of reactive lipid mediators. Eosinophils express high levels of secreted phospholipase A2 compared to other leukocytes, indicating their direct involvement in the production of lipid mediators during allergic inflammation. On the other side, eosinophils have also been recognized as crucial mediators with regulatory and homeostatic roles in local immunity and repair. Thus, targeting the complex network of lipid mediators offer a unique opportunity to target the over-activation and 'pro-inflammatory' phenotype of eosinophils without compromising the survival and functions of tissue-resident and homeostatic eosinophils. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the critical role of phospholipase-derived lipid mediators in modulating eosinophil activity in health and disease. We focus on lysophospholipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and eicosanoids with exciting new perspectives for future drug development.

Inhibiting the ROCK Pathway Ameliorates Acute Lung Injury in Mice following Myocardial Ischemia/reperfusion

To clarify the role of Y-27632, a selective inhibitor of Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK), in acute lung injury (ALI) induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Mice were randomized into Sham, I/R, and Y-27632 (10, 20 or 30 mg/kg) + I/R groups, and hemodynamics, infarcted area, the protein concentration, neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were assessed. Pathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining; protein and gene expression were measured by Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR); and apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining. ROCK1 and ROCK2 expression was up-regulated in lung tissues of I/R mice compared to sham mice. Y-27632 decreased the protein concentration and the neutrophils in BALF in I/R mice, improved hemodynamics and reduced infarct size (IS)/area at risk (AAR) ratio. In addition, pathological changes in lung tissues of Y-27632-treated mice were mitigated, and these alterations were accompanied by decreases in MDA levels in lung tissues and increases in SOD and GSH-Px levels. Moreover, in I/R group, the number of apoptotic cells in lung tissue was higher than that in sham group, and p53, Caspase-3 and Bax expression was up-regulated; however, following treatment with Y-27632 (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg), these changes were reversed. Inhibition of ROCK pathway by Y-27632 ameliorated ALI in myocardial I/R mice by mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation and cell apoptosis.

Lysophosphatidic Acid Regulates the Differentiation of Th2 Cells and Its Antagonist Suppresses Allergic Airway Inflammation

BACKGROUND

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a prototypic member of a large family of lysophospholipids, has been recently shown to play a role in immune responses to respiratory diseases. The involvement of LPA in allergic airway inflammation has been reported, but the mechanism remains unclear.

OBJECT

We analyzed the biological activity of LPA in vitro and in vivo and investigated its role in allergic inflammation in mice using an LPA receptor 2 (LPA2) antagonist.

METHODS

We used a murine model with acute allergic inflammation, in which mice are sensitized and challenged with house dust mite, and analyzed airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), pathological findings, Th2 cytokines, and IL-33 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung homogenates. The effect of LPA on Th2 differentiation and cytokine production was examined in vitro using naive CD4+ T cells isolated from splenocytes. We also investigated in vivo the effects of LPA on intranasal administration in mice.

RESULTS

The LPA2 antagonist suppressed the increase of AHR, the number of total cells, and eosinophils in BALF and lung tissue. It also decreased the production of IL-13 in BALF and IL-33 and CCL2 in the lung. LPA promoted Th2 cell differentiation and IL-13 production by Th2 cells in vitro. Nasal administration of LPA significantly increased the number of total cells and IL-13 in BALF via regulating the production of IL-33 and CCL-2-derived infiltrating macrophages.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that LPA plays an important role in allergic airway inflammation and that the blockade of LPA2 might have therapeutic potential for bronchial asthma.

The Role of Lysophosphatidic Acid in Adult Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated multipotent precursor cells that are capable both of perpetuating themselves as stem cells (self-renewal) and of undergoing differentiation into one or more specialized types of cells. And these stem cells have been reported to reside within distinct anatomic locations termed “niches”. The long-term goals of stem cell biology range from an understanding of cell-lineage determination and tissue organization to cellular therapeutics for degenerative diseases. Stem cells maintain tissue function throughout an organism’s lifespan by replacing differentiated cells. To perform this function, stem cells provide a unique combination of multilineage developmental potential and the capacity to undergo self-renewing divisions. The loss of self-renewal capacity in stem cells underlies certain degenerative diseases and the aging process. This self-renewal regulation must balance the regenerative needs of tissues that persist throughout life. Recent evidence suggests lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of a variety of stem cells. In this review, we summarize the evidence linking between LPA and stem cell regulation. The LPA-induced signaling pathway regulates the proliferation and survival of stem cells and progenitors, and thus are likely to play a role in the maintenance of stem cell population in the body. This lipid mediator regulatory system can be a novel potential therapeutics for stem cell maintenance.

Regulation of Tumor Immunity by Lysophosphatidic Acid

The tumor microenvironment (TME) may be best conceptualized as an ecosystem comprised of cancer cells interacting with a multitude of stromal components such as the extracellular matrix (ECM), blood and lymphatic networks, fibroblasts, adipocytes, and cells of the immune system. At the center of this crosstalk between cancer cells and their TME is the bioactive lipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). High levels of LPA and the enzyme generating it, termed autotaxin (ATX), are present in many cancers. It is also well documented that LPA drives tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis, proliferation, survival, invasion and metastasis. One of the hallmarks of cancer is the ability to modulate and escape immune detection and eradication. Despite the profound role of LPA in regulating immune functions and inflammation, its role in the context of tumor immunity has not received much attention until recently where emerging studies highlight that this signaling axis may be a means that cancer cells adopt to evade immune detection and eradication. The present review aims to look at the immunomodulatory actions of LPA in baseline immunity to provide a broad understanding of the subject with a special emphasis on LPA and cancer immunity, highlighting the latest progress in this area of research.

The roles of autotaxin/lysophosphatidic acid in immune regulation and asthma

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) species are present in almost all organ systems and play diverse roles through its receptors. Asthma is an airway disease characterized by chronic allergic inflammation where various innate and adaptive immune cells participate in establishing Th2 immune response. Here, we will review the contribution of LPA and its receptors to the functions of immune cells that play a key role in establishing allergic airway inflammation and aggravation of allergic asthma.

Early development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos and reduced expression of primed pluripotent marker genes under the effect of lysophosphatidic acid

To further promote the early development of porcine embryos and capture "naïve" pluripotent state within blastocyst, the experiment explored the effects of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) on the early development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos and the expression of pluripotency relevant genes. The results showed that the addition of 50 μM LPA significantly improved parthenogenetic embryo cleavage rate (82.7% vs. 74.7%, p < 0.05), blastocyst rate (24.5% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.05) and blastocyst cell count (56 ± 7.9 vs. 42 ± 1.0, p < 0.05) than that of the control group. In addition, immunostaining experiment determined that the fluorescence intensity of OCT4 was also significantly higher than that of the control group. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) test revealed that addition of 50 μM LPA could significantly enhance the expression level of pluripotent gene OCT4 and trophoblast marker genes CDX2, however, decrease the expression of primitive hypoblast marker gene GATA4. The results also indicated that LPA might decrease the expression of GATA4 through the ROCK signalling pathway. For further investigating the effect of the addition of LPA on the expression of "primed" and "naïve" genes, we also detected the expression of those pluripotency-related genes by qRT-PCR. The results showed addition of LPA had no significant effect on the expression of "naïve" pluripotent genes, but it was able to significantly decrease the expression of "primed" pluripotent genes, NODAL and Activin-A; furthermore, it also could significantly improve the expression of OCT4 and c-Myc which act as two important ES cell renewal factors. Above all, the addition of LPA can facilitate the early development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos, which may be able to benefit for capturing "naïve" pluripotency in vitro through inhibiting "primed" pluripotency.

Nasal DNA methylation differentiates corticosteroid treatment response in pediatric asthma: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Treatment response to systemic corticosteroid in asthmatic children is heterogeneous and may be mediated by epigenetic mechanism(s). We aim to identify DNA methylation (DNAm) changes responsive to steroid, and DNAm biomarkers that distinguish treatment response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We followed 33 children (ages 5-18) presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) for asthma exacerbation. Based on whether they met discharge criteria in ≤24 hours, participants were grouped into good and poor responders to steroid treatment. Nasal samples were collected upon presentation to the ED (T0) and 18-24 hours later (T1). Genome-wide DNAm was measured for both time points in 20 subjects, and compared between T0 and T1 in good and poor responders respectively. DNAm at T1 was also compared between two responder groups. DNAm of selected CpGs was verified in the complete cohort, and expression of associated genes was examined. Interactions between DNAm, common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located at the CpG sites and treatment responses were assessed.

RESULTS

Three CpGs located in the OTX2 promoter showed responder-specific DNAm changes from T0 to T1, in which DNAm decreased in good but not in poor responders. Good and poor responders showed differential DNAm at T1 in 127 CpGs without and 182 CpGs with common SNP co-localization. Negative correlations between DNAm and gene expression were observed at CpGs located within the LDHC promoter, suggesting an impact of DNAm on gene regulation. Interactions between SNPs, DNAm and treatment response were detected.

CONCLUSION

Acute systemic steroid treatment modifies nasal DNAm in good responders. Nasal DNAm, dependent or independent of SNPs, can differentiate response to treatment in acute asthmatic children.

Inhibition of lysophosphatidic acid receptors 1 and 3 attenuates atherosclerosis development in LDL-receptor deficient mice

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a natural lysophospholipid present at high concentrations within lipid-rich atherosclerotic plaques. Upon local accumulation in the damaged vessels, LPA can act as a potent activator for various types of immune cells through its specific membrane receptors LPA_1/3. LPA elicits chemotactic, pro-inflammatory and apoptotic effects that lead to atherosclerotic plaque progression. In this study we aimed to inhibit LPA signaling by means of LPA_1/3 antagonism using the small molecule Ki16425. We show that LPA_1/3 inhibition significantly impaired atherosclerosis progression. Treatment with Ki16425 also resulted in reduced CCL2 production and secretion, which led to less monocyte and neutrophil infiltration. Furthermore, we provide evidence that LPA_1/3 blockade enhanced the percentage of non-inflammatory, Ly6C^low monocytes and CD4⁺ CD25⁺ FoxP3⁺ T-regulatory cells. Finally, we demonstrate that LPA_1/3 antagonism mildly reduced plasma LDL cholesterol levels. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of LPA_1/3 receptors may prove a promising approach to diminish atherosclerosis development.

Novel Inhibitory Effect of a Lysophosphatidic Acid 2 Agonist on Allergen-Driven Airway Inflammation

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a pleiotropic lipid signaling molecule associated with asthma pathobiology. LPA elicits its effects by binding to at least six known cell surface G protein-coupled receptors (LPA1-6) that are expressed in the lung in a cell type-specific manner. LPA2 in particular has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target in asthma because it appears to transduce inhibitory or cell-protective signals. We studied a novel and specific small molecule LPA2 agonist (2-[4-(1,3-dioxo-1H,3H-benzoisoquinolin-2-yl)butylsulfamoyl] benzoic acid [DBIBB]) in a mouse model of house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation. Mice injected with DBIBB developed significantly less airway and lung inflammation compared with vehicle-treated controls. Levels of lung Th2 cytokines were also significantly attenuated by DBIBB. We conclude that pharmacologic activation of LPA2 attenuates Th2-driven allergic airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma. Targeting LPA receptor signaling holds therapeutic promise in allergic asthma.

A Novel Treatment of Contact Dermatitis by Topical Application of Phospholipase A2 Inhibitor: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

Phospholipase A2 hydrolyzes membrane phospholipids releasing arachidonic acid and lysophospholipids. These are key precursors of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes and PAF, in numerous inflammatory/allergic diseases, including skin inflammation. Accordingly, inhibition of PLA2 has long been postulated as a potentially potent antiinflammatory therapy. In the present study we tested the effect of a novel PLA2 inhibitor on contact dermatitis in human subjects. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted on contact dermatitis patients (n = 11) treated with the inhibitor-containing topical preparation (1% cream). Disease severity was assessed by physician's assessment before treatment (day 0) as well as after 14-days and 30-days. Patients treated with 1% PLA2 inhibitor-containing cream showed a 69.9% reduction in disease score while placebo-treated patients showed a reduction of 36.5% with p = 0.0024. The clear improvement in the disease score of inhibitor-treated patients supports the involvement of PLA2 activity in skin inflammation and the therapeutic prospective of its inhibition.

Polyunsaturated lysophosphatidic acid as a potential asthma biomarker

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a lipid mediator in biological fluids and tissues, is generated mainly by autotaxin that hydrolyzes lysophosphatidylcholine to LPA and choline. Total LPA levels are increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from asthmatic lung, and are strongly induced following subsegmental bronchoprovocation with allergen in subjects with allergic asthma. Polyunsaturated molecular species of LPA (C22:5 and C22:6) are selectively synthesized in the airways of asthma subjects following allergen challenge and in mouse models of allergic airway inflammation, having been identified and quantified by LC/MS/MS lipidomics. This review discusses current knowledge of LPA production in asthmatic lung and the potential utility of polyunsaturated LPA molecular species as novel biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and exhaled breath condensate of asthma subjects.

LC-MS based metabolomics identification of novel biomarkers of tobacco smoke-induced chronic bronchitis

Tobacco smoke (TS) is a major causative agent to lead to chronic bronchitis (CB). However the mechanisms of CB induced by TS are unclear. In this report, rats were exposed to different concentrations of TS and the metabolic features of CB were characterized by using a nontargeted metabolic profiling method based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to detect the altered metabolic patterns in serum from CB rats and investigate the mechanisms of CB. 11 potential biomarkers were identified in serum of rats. Among them, the levels of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (18:1), lysophosphatidic acid (18:1), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (18:0), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (16:0), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (20:4), docosahexaenoic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and 5'-carboxy-γ-tocopherol were higher in TS group compared to control group. Conversely, the levels of 4-imidazolone-5-propionic acid, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and uridine were lower in TS group. The results indicated that the mechanism of CB was related to amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism, particularly lipid metabolism. In addition, lysophosphatidylethanolamines were proved to be important mediators, which could be used as biomarkers to diagnose CB. These results also suggested that metabolomics was suitable for diagnosing CB and elucidating the possible metabolic pathways of TS-induced CB.

The Role of Lysophosphatidic Acid on Airway Epithelial Cell Denudation in a Murine Heterotopic Tracheal Transplant Model

Supplemental digital content is available in the text.

Background

Chronic rejection is the major leading cause of morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB), a fibroproliferative disorder of the small airways, is the main manifestation of chronic lung allograft rejection. However, there is currently no treatment for the disease. We hypothesized that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) participates in the progression of OB. The aim of this study was to reveal the involvement of LPA on the lesion of OB.

Methods

Ki16198, an antagonist specifically for LPA₁ and LPA₃, was daily administered into the heterotopic tracheal transplant model mice at the day of transplantation. At days 10 and 28, the allografts were isolated and evaluated histologically. The messenger RNA levels of LPAR in microdissected mouse airway regions were assessed to reveal localization of lysophosphatidic acid receptors. The human airway epithelial cell was used to evaluate the mechanism of LPA-induced suppression of cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Results

The administration of Ki16198 attenuated airway epithelial cell loss in the allograft at day 10. Messenger RNAs of LPA₁ and LPA₃ were detected in the airway epithelial cells of the mice. Lysophosphatidic acid inhibited the attachment of human airway epithelial cells to the ECM and induced cell detachment from the ECM, which was mediated by LPA₁ and Rho-kinase pathway. However, Ki16198 did not prevent obliteration of allograft at day 28.

Conclusions

The LPA signaling is involved in the status of epithelial cells by distinct contribution in 2 different phases of the OB lesion. This finding suggests a role of LPA in the pathogenesis of OB.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and without nasal polyps is associated with increased expression of lysophosphatidic acid-related molecules

BACKGROUND

Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) or CRS without NPs (CRSsNPs) is associated with expression of various cytokines. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) generated by autotaxin (ATX), LPA-producing enzyme, initiates signaling cascade involved in the inflammatory responses and participates in diverse biological processes through LPA receptors, including cytokine production. We analyzed the expression and distribution patterns of LPA-related molecules in nasal secretion and sinus mucosa of normal controls and patients with CRSwNPs and CRSsNPs, to evaluate the possible effects of the ATX-LPA receptor axis on the pathogenesis of CRS.

METHODS

LPA levels in nasal secretion and the expression and distribution patterns of ATX and LPA receptors 1-3 (LPA1-3) in sinus mucosa were investigated using ELISA, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. We elucidated the effect of CRS-relevant cytokines on the expression of ATX and LPA receptors, using cultured sinus epithelial cells, and investigated the effect of LPA on the expression of CRS-relevant cytokines, using sinus mucosa explant culture.

RESULTS

LPA, ATX, and LPA1-3 levels are increased in CRSwNPs and CRSsNPs. ATX and LPA1-3 were localized to superficial epithelium, submucosal glands in normal and inflammatory mucosa, but in inflammatory mucosa, they were found in inflammatory cells. LPA1-3 were noted in endothelium. Sinus mucosa explant stimulated with LPA increasingly produced IL-4, IL-5, interferon gamma, and TNF-alpha, and in cultured epithelial cells stimulated with CRS-relevant cytokines, ATX, and LPA1-3 were differentially induced.

CONCLUSION

LPA in human sinus mucosa may play important roles in the pathogenesis of CRS, contributing to produce CRS-related cytokines. LPA-related molecules were increased in CRS, which may attribute to CRS-related cytokines.

Distinct roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 during development of porcine preimplantation embryos

Cell-to-cell contact mediated by cell adhesion is fundamental to the compaction process that ensures blastocyst quality during embryonic development. In this study, we first showed that Rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinases (ROCK1 and ROCK2) were expressed both in porcine oocytes and IVF preimplantation embryos, playing different roles in oocytes maturation and embryo development. The amount of mRNA encoding ROCK1 and the protein concentration clearly increased between the eight-cell and morula stages, but decreased significantly when blastocysts were formed. Conversely, ROCK2 was more abundant in the blastocyst compared with other embryonic stages. Moreover, immunostaining showed that ROCK1 protein distribution changed as the embryo progressed through cleavage and compaction to the morula stage. Initially, the protein was predominantly associated with the plasma membrane but later became cytoplasmic. By contrast, ROCK2 protein was localized in both the cytoplasm and the spindle rotation region during oocyte meiosis, but in the cytoplasm and nucleus as the embryo developed. In addition, ROCK2 was present in the trophectoderm cells of the blastocyst. Treatment with 15 μM Y27632, a specific inhibitor of ROCKs, completely blocked further development of early four-cell stage embryos. Moreover, we did not detect the expression ofROCK1but did detectROCK2expression in blastocysts. Moreover, lysophosphatidic acid an activator of ROCKs significantly improved the rates of blastocyst formation. These data demonstrate that ROCKs are required for embryo development to the blastocyst stage. Together, our results indicate that ROCK1 and ROCK2 may exert different biological functions during the regulation of compaction and in ensuring development of porcine preimplantation embryos to the blastocyst stage.

The autotaxin-LPA axis emerges as a novel regulator of lymphocyte homing and inflammation

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a pleiotropic lipid molecule with potent effects on cell growth and motility. Major progress has been made in recent years in deciphering the mechanisms of LPA generation and how it acts on target cells. Most research has been conducted in other disciplines, but emerging data indicate that LPA has an important role to play in immunity. A key discovery was that autotaxin (ATX), an enzyme previously implicated in cancer cell motility, generates extracellular LPA from the precursor lysophosphatidylcholine. Steady-state ATX is expressed by only a few tissues, including high endothelial venules in lymph nodes, but inflammatory signals can upregulate ATX expression in different tissues. In this article, we review current thinking about the ATX/LPA axis in lymphocyte homing, as well as in models of allergic airway inflammation and asthma. New insights into the role of LPA in regulating immune responses should be forthcoming in the near future.

Autotaxin production of lysophosphatidic acid mediates allergic asthmatic inflammation

RATIONALE

Bioactive lipid mediators, derived from membrane lipid precursors, are released into the airway and airspace where they bind high-affinity cognate receptors and may mediate asthma pathogenesis. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive lipid mediator generated by the enzymatic activity of extracellular autotaxin (ATX), binds LPA receptors, resulting in an array of biological actions on cell proliferation, migration, survival, differentiation, and motility, and therefore could mediate asthma pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVES

To define a role for the ATX-LPA pathway in human asthma pathogenesis and a murine model of allergic lung inflammation.

METHODS

We investigated the profiles of LPA molecular species and the level of ATX exoenzyme in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of human patients with asthma subjected to subsegmental bronchoprovocation with allergen. We interrogated the role of the ATX-LPA pathway in allergic lung inflammation using a murine allergic asthma model in ATX-LPA pathway-specific genetically modified mice.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Subsegmental bronchoprovocation with allergen in patients with mild asthma resulted in a remarkable increase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid levels of LPA enriched in polyunsaturated 22:5 and 22:6 fatty acids in association with increased concentrations of ATX protein. Using a triple-allergen mouse asthma model, we showed that ATX-overexpressing transgenic mice had a more severe asthmatic phenotype, whereas blocking ATX activity and knockdown of the LPA2 receptor in mice produced a marked attenuation of Th2 cytokines and allergic lung inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

The ATX-LPA pathway plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of asthma. These preclinical data indicate that targeting the ATX-LPA pathway could be an effective antiasthma treatment strategy.

Autotaxin and lysophosphatidic acid signalling in lung pathophysiology

Autotaxin (ATX or ENPP2) is a secreted glycoprotein widely present in biological fluids. ATX primarily functions as a plasma lysophospholipase D and is largely responsible for the bulk of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) production in the plasma and at inflamed and/or malignant sites. LPA is a phospholipid mediator produced in various conditions both in cells and in biological fluids, and it evokes growth-factor-like responses, including cell growth, survival, differentiation and motility, in almost all cell types. The large variety of LPA effector functions is attributed to at least six G-protein coupled LPA receptors (LPARs) with overlapping specificities and widespread distribution. Increased ATX/LPA/LPAR levels have been detected in a large variety of cancers and transformed cell lines, as well as in non-malignant inflamed tissues, suggesting a possible involvement of ATX in chronic inflammatory disorders and cancer. In this review, we focus exclusively on the role of the ATX/LPA axis in pulmonary pathophysiology, analysing the effects of ATX/LPA on pulmonary cells and leukocytes in vitro and in the context of pulmonary pathophysiological situations in vivo and in human diseases.

Inhibition of lysophosphatidic acid increase by prestorage whole blood leukoreduction in autologous CPDA-1 whole blood

BACKGROUND

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) has been implicated in the onset of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). In plasma, LPC is converted to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) by autotaxin (ATX). The effect of leukoreduction in the accumulation of these bioactive lipids and ATX in human autologous blood has not been fully investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The accumulation of choline-containing phospholipids (LPC, sphingomyelin [SM], and phosphatidylcholine [PC]), LPA, and ATX during the storage of autologous blood and the changes caused by leukoreduction were investigated. A total of 26 orthopedic patients were enrolled. Autologous blood was collected as whole blood and, after leukoreduction, preserved refrigerated until use. Prestorage leukoreduced (LR) and non-LR autologous blood samples were analyzed. The time-dependent changes and the effect of the filtration were compared.

RESULTS

A time-dependent and significant increase in the levels of LPA was observed in both non-LR and LR samples. The concentration of LPA was significantly reduced in LR compared to non-LR samples. The concentration of LPC was higher in LR compared to non-LR samples. The levels of PC, SM, and ATX were not affected by either the storage period or the leukoreduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Leukoreduction of autologous whole blood effectively reduced the accumulation of LPA. On the other hand, prestorage leukoreduction resulted in an increased concentration of LPC, without significantly affecting ATX. Further studies are necessary to confirm the role of LPA in the pathogenesis of adverse effects of blood transfusion, especially TRALI.

Lpa2 is a negative regulator of both dendritic cell activation and murine models of allergic lung inflammation

Negative regulation of innate immune responses is essential to prevent excess inflammation and tissue injury and promote homeostasis. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a pleiotropic lipid that regulates cell growth, migration, and activation and is constitutively produced at low levels in tissues and in serum. Extracellular LPA binds to specific G protein-coupled receptors, whose function in regulating innate or adaptive immune responses remains poorly understood. Of the classical LPA receptors belonging to the Edg family, lpa2 (edg4) is expressed by dendritic cells (DC) and other innate immune cells. In this article, we show that DC from lpa2(-/-) mice are hyperactive compared with their wild-type counterparts and are less susceptible to inhibition by different LPA species. In transient-transfection assays, we found that lpa2 overexpression inhibits NF-κB-driven gene transcription. Using an adoptive-transfer approach, we found that allergen-pulsed lpa2(-/-) DC induced substantially more lung inflammation than did wild-type DC after inhaled allergen challenge. Finally, lpa2(-/-) mice develop greater allergen-driven lung inflammation than do their wild-type counterparts in models of allergic asthma involving both systemic and mucosal sensitization. Taken together, these findings identify LPA acting via lpa2 as a novel negative regulatory pathway that inhibits DC activation and allergic airway inflammation.

TNF-alpha promotes LPA1- and LPA3-mediated recruitment of leukocytes in vivo through CXCR2 ligand chemokines

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lysophospholipid present in low concentrations in serum and biological fluids but in high concentrations at sites of inflammation. LPA evokes a variety of cellular responses via binding to and activation of its specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), namely LPA(1-6). Even though LPA is a chemoattractant for inflammatory cells in vitro, such a role for LPA in vivo remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we used the murine air pouch model to study LPA-mediated leukocyte recruitment in vivo using selective LPA receptor agonist/antagonist and LPA(3)-deficient mice. We report that 1) LPA injection into the air pouch induced leukocyte recruitment and that both LPA(1) and LPA(3) were involved in this process; 2) LPA stimulated the release of the pro-inflammatory chemokines keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) and interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) in the air pouch; 3) tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) injected into the air pouch prior to LPA strongly potentiated LPA-mediated secretion of cytokines/chemokines, including KC, IL-6, and IP-10, which preceded the enhanced leukocyte influx; and 4) blocking CXCR2 significantly reduced leukocyte infiltration. We suggest that LPA, via LPA(1) and LPA(3) receptors, may play a significant role in inducing and/or sustaining the massive infiltration of leukocytes during inflammation.

Rho kinase-2 activation in human endothelial cells drives lysophosphatidic acid-mediated expression of cell adhesion molecules via NF-kappaB p65

Endothelial cells play an important role in the recruitment of immune cells to a disease locus through the induced expression of chemokines and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). The proinflammatory lysophospholipid, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), which is elevated in multiple inflammatory diseases, is a potent activator of the RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathway and has been shown to induce the expression of CAMs in endothelial cells. The present study was undertaken to map signal transduction downstream of LPA and to investigate the contributions of the Rho kinase isoforms ROCK1 and ROCK2 to adhesion molecule expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. LPA activated Rho kinase within minutes and subsequently the NF-kappaB pathway through phosphorylation of the p65 subunit. The lipid also induced the late expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Pharmacologic inhibition of Rho kinase signaling blocked LPA-induced p65 phosphorylation and suppressed ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. Inhibition of the NF-kappaB pathway had no impact on LPA-induced Rho kinase activation, but inhibited adhesion molecule expression. Small interfering RNA-facilitated knockdown of each isoform identified ROCK2 as the mediator of LPA-driven phosphorylation of NF-kappaB p65 and of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA and protein induction. Taken collectively, our data are consistent with Rho kinase being upstream of NF-kappaB in driving LPA-mediated adhesion molecule expression. This study also provides the first evidence of the critical involvement of ROCK2 in LPA-induced CAM expression through activation of the NF-kappaB pathway in human endothelial cells.

Role of lysophosphatidic acid receptor LPA2 in the development of allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma

BACKGROUND

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) plays a critical role in airway inflammation through G protein-coupled LPA receptors (LPA1-3). We have demonstrated that LPA induced cytokine and lipid mediator release in human bronchial epithelial cells. Here we provide evidence for the role of LPA and LPA receptors in Th2-dominant airway inflammation.

METHODS

Wild type, LPA1 heterozygous knockout mice (LPA1+/-), and LPA2 heterozygous knockout mice (LPA2+/-) were sensitized with inactivated Schistosoma mansoni eggs and local antigenic challenge with Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg Ag (SEA) in the lungs. Bronchoalveolar larvage (BAL) fluids and lung tissues were collected for analysis of inflammatory responses. Further, tracheal epithelial cells were isolated and challenged with LPA.

RESULTS

BAL fluids from Schistosoma mansoni egg-sensitized and challenged wild type mice (4 days of challenge) showed increase of LPA level (approximately 2.8 fold), compared to control mice. LPA2+/- mice, but not LPA1+/- mice, exposed to Schistosoma mansoni egg revealed significantly reduced cell numbers and eosinophils in BAL fluids, compared to challenged wild type mice. Both LPA2+/- and LPA1+/- mice showed decreases in bronchial goblet cells. LPA2+/- mice, but not LPA1+/- mice showed the decreases in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and LPA levels in BAL fluids after SEA challenge. The PGE2 production by LPA was reduced in isolated tracheal epithelial cells from LPA2+/- mice. These results suggest that LPA and LPA receptors are involved in Schistosoma mansoni egg-mediated inflammation and further studies are proposed to understand the role of LPA and LPA receptors in the inflammatory process.

Lysophosphatidic acid enhances pulmonary epithelial barrier integrity and protects endotoxin-induced epithelial barrier disruption and lung injury

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive phospholipid, induces a wide range of cellular effects, including gene expression, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and cell survival. We have previously shown that LPA stimulates secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in bronchial epithelial cells. This study provides evidence that LPA enhances pulmonary epithelial barrier integrity through protein kinase C (PKC) delta- and zeta-mediated E-cadherin accumulation at cell-cell junctions. Treatment of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEpCs) with LPA increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) by approximately 2.0-fold and enhanced accumulation of E-cadherin to the cell-cell junctions through Galpha(i)-coupled LPA receptors. Knockdown of E-cadherin with E-cadherin small interfering RNA or pretreatment with EGTA (0.1 mm) prior to LPA (1 microm) treatment attenuated LPA-induced increases in TER in HBEpCs. Furthermore, LPA induced tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and overexpression of the FAK inhibitor, and FAK-related non-kinase-attenuated LPA induced increases in TER and E-cadherin accumulation at cell-cell junctions. Overexpression of dominant negative protein kinase delta and zeta attenuated LPA-induced phosphorylation of FAK, accumulation of E-cadherin at cell-cell junctions, and an increase in TER. Additionally, lipopolysaccharide decreased TER and induced E-cadherin relocalization from cell-cell junctions to cytoplasm in a dose-dependent fashion, which was restored by LPA post-treatment in HBEpCs. Intratracheal post-treatment with LPA (5 microm) reduced LPS-induced neutrophil influx, protein leak, and E-cadherin shedding in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids in a murine model of acute lung injury. These data suggest a protective role of LPA in airway inflammation and remodeling.

Lysophosphatidic acid signaling in airway epithelium: role in airway inflammation and remodeling

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a potent bioactive phospholipid, induces diverse cellular responses, including cell proliferation, migration, and cytokine release. LPA can be generated intracellularly and extracellularly through multiple synthetic pathways by action of various enzymes, such as phospholipase A(1/2) (PLA(1/2)), phospholipase D (PLD), acylglycerol kinase (AGK), and lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD). Metabolism of LPA is regulated by a family of lipid phosphate phosphatases (LPPs). Significant amounts of LPA have been detected in various biological fluids, including serum, saliva, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The most significant effects of LPA appear to be through activation of the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), termed LPA(1-6). LPA regulates gene expression through activation of several transcriptional factors, such as nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), AP-1, and C/EBPbeta. In addition to GPCRs, cross-talk between LPA receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) partly regulates LPA-induced intracellular signaling and cellular responses. Airway epithelial cells participate in innate immunity through the release of cytokines, chemokines, lipid mediators, other inflammatory mediators and an increase in barrier function in response to a variety of inhaled stimuli. Expression of LPA receptors has been demonstrated in airway epithelial cells. This review summarizes our recent observations of the role of LPA/LPA-Rs in regulation of airway epithelium, especially in relation to the secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators and regulation of airway barrier function.

Inhibition of renal rho kinase attenuates ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury

The Rho kinase pathway plays an important role in dedifferentiation of epithelial cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells. For testing of the hypothesis that blockade of this cascade within the kidneys might be beneficial in the treatment of renal injury the Rho kinase inhibitor, Y27632 was coupled to lysozyme, a low molecular weight protein that is filtered through the glomerulus and is reabsorbed in proximal tubular cells. Pharmacokinetic studies with Y27632-lysozyme confirmed that the conjugate rapidly and extensively accumulated in the kidney. Treatment with Y27632-lysozyme substantially inhibited ischemia/reperfusion-induced tubular damage, indicated by reduced staining of the dedifferentiation markers kidney injury molecule 1 and vimentin, and increased E-cadherin relative to controls. Rho kinase activation was inhibited by Y27632-lysozyme within tubular cells and the interstitium. Y27632-lysozyme also inhibited inflammation and fibrogenesis, indicated by a reduction in gene expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, procollagen Ialpha1, TGF-beta1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, and alpha-smooth muscle actin. Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced macrophage infiltration and decreased expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin. In contrast, unconjugated Y27632 did not have these beneficial effects but instead caused systemic adverse effects, such as leukopenia. Neither treatment improved renal function in the bilateral ischemia/reperfusion model. In conclusion, the renally targeted Y27632-lysozyme conjugate strongly inhibits tubular damage, inflammation, and fibrogenesis induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury.

The inhaled Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 protects against allergen-induced acute bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation

Recently, we have shown that allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) after the early (EAR) and late (LAR) asthmatic reaction in guinea pigs could be reversed acutely by inhalation of the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632. The present study addresses the effects of pretreatment with inhaled Y-27632 on the severity of the allergen-induced EAR and LAR, the development of AHR after these reactions, and airway inflammation. Using permanently instrumented and unrestrained ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized guinea pigs, single OA challenge-induced EAR and LAR, expressed as area under the lung function (pleural pressure, P(pl)) time-response curve, were measured, and histamine PC(100) (provocation concentration causing a 100% increase of P(pl)) values were assessed 24 h before, and at 6 and 24 h after, the OA challenge (after the EAR and LAR, respectively). Thirty minutes before and 8 h after OA challenge, saline or Y-27632 (5 mM) was nebulized. After the last PC(100) value, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed, and the inflammatory cell profile was determined. It was demonstrated that inhalation of Y-27632 before allergen challenge markedly reduced the immediate allergen-induced peak rise in P(pl), without significantly reducing the overall EAR and LAR. Also, pretreatment with Y-27632 considerably protected against the development of AHR after the EAR and fully prevented AHR after the LAR. These effects could not be explained by a direct effect of Y-27632 on the histamine responsiveness, because of the short duration of the acute bronchoprotection of Y-27632 (<90 min). In addition, Y-27632 reduced the number of total inflammatory cells, eosinophils, macrophages, and neutrophils recovered from the BAL. Altogether, inhaled Y-27632 protects against acute allergen-induced bronchoconstriction, development of AHR after the EAR and LAR, and airway inflammation in an established guinea pig model of allergic asthma.

Lysophosphatidic acid is detectable in human bronchoalveolar lavage fluids at baseline and increased after segmental allergen challenge

BACKGROUND

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a biologically active lysophospholipid and a component of normal plasma. LPA binds to receptors expressed on circulating and structural lung cells and affects cell growth and activation. Whether LPA is present in the lung has not been previously reported.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an assay to measure LPA in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids, and to study the association between LPA and allergic airway inflammation.

METHODS

Seventeen allergic subjects underwent bronchoscopy and segmental allergen challenge, followed 18 h later by BAL. Supernatants were analysed for LPA content using liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Expression of LPA receptors on primary bronchial epithelial cells was analysed by immunolabelling, and the effects of LPA on epithelial cell barrier function was investigated by measuring transepithelial resistance.

RESULTS

LPA was detectable in BAL from control lung segments, and significantly increased 18 h after allergen challenge. Polyunsaturated species of LPA were especially increased following segmental allergen challenge. LPA levels did not strongly correlate with the number or percentages of eosinophils, neutrophils of lymphocytes, whereas MIP-3alpha (CCL20) levels correlated significantly with the allergen-driven influx of lymphocytes. The levels of LPA from control sites correlated inversely with BAL protein content, suggesting that LPA promoted epithelial barrier integrity at baseline. Experiments using primary human bronchial epithelial cells confirmed that LPA tightened the epithelial cell barrier.

CONCLUSION

Lysophosphatidic acid is detectable in human BAL fluids at baseline and its expression increases during allergic inflammation. LPA does not appear to be a dominant chemoattractant for eosinophils or lymphocytes during allergic airway inflammation. In the absence of ongoing inflammation, LPA may promote epithelial barrier integrity.

Y-27632, a Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor, attenuates neuronal cell death after transient retinal ischemia

PURPOSE

Transient retinal ischemia induces the death of retinal neuronal cells. Postischemic damage is associated with the infiltration of leukocytes into the neural tissue through vascular endothelia. The current study aimed to investigate whether this damage was attenuated by the inhibition of Rho/ROCK (Rho kinases) signaling, recently shown to play a critical role in the transendothelial migration of leukocytes.

METHODS

Y-27632, a selective inhibitor of ROCK, was injected intravitreally into rat eyes with transient retinal ischemia. Cell loss of the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and thinning of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) with and without the administration of Y-27632 were evaluated by histological analysis, TUNEL assay and retrograde labeling of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). To examine the attenuation of leukocyte infiltration in postischemic retinas with the administration of Y-27632, silver nitrate staining and immunohistochemistry using an anti-LCA antibody were performed.

RESULTS

Cell loss of the GCL and thinning of the IPL were significantly attenuated when 100 nmol Y-27632 was administered within three hours of the induction of ischemia. TUNEL assay and retrograde labeling of RGCs showed a decreased number of apoptotic cells and an increased number of RGCs in Y-27632-injected retinas. Moreover, silver nitrate staining and immunohistochemical analysis using an anti-LCA antibody showed that Y-27632 injection dramatically inhibited leukocyte infiltration and endothelial disarrangement.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that inhibition of Rho/ROCK signaling offers neuroprotective therapy against postischemic neural damage, by regulating leukocyte infiltration in the neural tissue.

Regulation of lysophosphatidic acid-induced epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation and interleukin-8 secretion in human bronchial epithelial cells by protein kinase Cdelta, Lyn kinase, and matrix metalloproteinases

We have demonstrated earlier that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion is regulated by protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta)-dependent NF-kappaB activation in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEpCs). Here we provide evidence for signaling pathways that regulate LPA-mediated transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the role of cross-talk between G-protein-coupled receptors and receptor-tyrosine kinases in IL-8 secretion in HBEpCs. Treatment of HBEpCs with LPA stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR, which was attenuated by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor (GM6001), heparin binding (HB)-EGF inhibitor (CRM 197), and HB-EGF neutralizing antibody. Overexpression of dominant negative PKCdelta or pretreatment with a PKCdelta inhibitor (rottlerin) or Src kinase family inhibitor (PP2) partially blocked LPA-induced MMP activation, proHB-EGF shedding, and EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation. Down-regulation of Lyn kinase, but not Src kinase, by specific small interfering RNA mitigated LPA-induced MMP activation, proHB-EGF shedding, and EGFR phosphorylation. In addition, overexpression of dominant negative PKCdelta blocked LPA-induced phosphorylation and translocation of Lyn kinase to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, down-regulation of EGFR by EGFR small interfering RNA or pretreatment of cells with EGFR inhibitors AG1478 and PD158780 almost completely blocked LPA-dependent EGFR phosphorylation and partially attenuated IL-8 secretion, respectively. These results demonstrate that LPA-induced IL-8 secretion is partly dependent on EGFR transactivation regulated by PKCdelta-dependent activation of Lyn kinase and MMPs and proHB-EGF shedding, suggesting a novel mechanism of cross-talk and interaction between G-protein-coupled receptors and receptor-tyrosine kinases in HBEpCs.

Transcriptional regulation of lysophosphatidic acid-induced interleukin-8 expression and secretion by p38 MAPK and JNK in human bronchial epithelial cells

HBEpCs (human bronchial epithelial cells) contribute to airway inflammation by secreting a variety of cytokines and chemokines in response to allergens, pathogens, viruses and environmental toxins and pollutants. The potent neutrophil chemoattractant, IL-8 (interleukin-8), is a major cytokine secreted by HBEpCs. We have recently demonstrated that LPA (lysophosphatidic acid) stimulated IL-8 production in HBEpCs via protein kinase C delta dependent signal transduction. However, mechanisms of IL-8 expression and secretion are complex and involve multiple protein kinases and transcriptional factors. The present study was undertaken to investigate MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling in the transcriptional regulation of IL-8 expression and secretion in HBEpCs. Exposure of HBEpCs to LPA (1 microM) enhanced expression and secretion of IL-8 by 5-8-fold and stimulated threonine/tyrosine phosphorylation of ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase), p38 MAPK and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase). The LPA-induced secretion of IL-8 was blocked by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, by p38 MAPK siRNA (small interfering RNA), and by the JNK inhibitor JNK(i) II, but not by the MEK (MAPK/ERK kinase) inhibitor, PD98059. LPA enhanced the transcriptional activity of the IL-8 gene; that effect relied on activation of the transcriptional factors NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) and AP-1 (activator protein-1). Furthermore, SB203580 attenuated LPA-dependent phosphorylation of IkappaB (inhibitory kappaB), NF-kappaB and phospho-p38 translocation to the nucleus, NF-kappaB transcription and IL-8 promoter-mediated luciferase reporter activity, without affecting the JNK pathway and AP-1 transcription. Similarly, JNK(i) II only blocked LPA-mediated phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun, AP-1 transcription and IL-8 promoter-mediated luciferase reporter activity, without blocking p38 MAPK-dependent NF-kappaB transcription. Additionally, siRNA for LPA(1-3) receptors partially blocked LPA-induced IL-8 production and activation of MAPKs. The LPA1 and LPA3 receptors, as compared with LPA2, were most efficient in transducing LPA-mediated IL-8 production. These results show an independent role for p38 MAPK and JNK in LPA-induced IL-8 expression and secretion via NF-kappaB and AP-1 transcription respectively in HBEpCs.

Transcriptional regulation of lysophosphatidic acid-induced interleukin-8 expression and secretion by p38 MAPK and JNK in human bronchial epithelial cells

HBEpCs (human bronchial epithelial cells) contribute to airway inflammation by secreting a variety of cytokines and chemokines in response to allergens, pathogens, viruses and environmental toxins and pollutants. The potent neutrophil chemoattractant, IL-8 (interleukin-8), is a major cytokine secreted by HBEpCs. We have recently demonstrated that LPA (lysophosphatidic acid) stimulated IL-8 production in HBEpCs via protein kinase C delta dependent signal transduction. However, mechanisms of IL-8 expression and secretion are complex and involve multiple protein kinases and transcriptional factors. The present study was undertaken to investigate MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling in the transcriptional regulation of IL-8 expression and secretion in HBEpCs. Exposure of HBEpCs to LPA (1 microM) enhanced expression and secretion of IL-8 by 5-8-fold and stimulated threonine/tyrosine phosphorylation of ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase), p38 MAPK and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase). The LPA-induced secretion of IL-8 was blocked by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, by p38 MAPK siRNA (small interfering RNA), and by the JNK inhibitor JNK(i) II, but not by the MEK (MAPK/ERK kinase) inhibitor, PD98059. LPA enhanced the transcriptional activity of the IL-8 gene; that effect relied on activation of the transcriptional factors NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) and AP-1 (activator protein-1). Furthermore, SB203580 attenuated LPA-dependent phosphorylation of IkappaB (inhibitory kappaB), NF-kappaB and phospho-p38 translocation to the nucleus, NF-kappaB transcription and IL-8 promoter-mediated luciferase reporter activity, without affecting the JNK pathway and AP-1 transcription. Similarly, JNK(i) II only blocked LPA-mediated phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun, AP-1 transcription and IL-8 promoter-mediated luciferase reporter activity, without blocking p38 MAPK-dependent NF-kappaB transcription. Additionally, siRNA for LPA(1-3) receptors partially blocked LPA-induced IL-8 production and activation of MAPKs. The LPA1 and LPA3 receptors, as compared with LPA2, were most efficient in transducing LPA-mediated IL-8 production. These results show an independent role for p38 MAPK and JNK in LPA-induced IL-8 expression and secretion via NF-kappaB and AP-1 transcription respectively in HBEpCs.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) induces plasma exudation and histamine release in mice via LPA receptors

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), the simplest of the water-soluble phospholipids, can evoke various biological responses. The present study examined the activity of LPA to induce plasma exudation and histamine release in mice. Plasma exudation was assessed by extravasation of Evans blue. Subcutaneous administration of LPA (1 - 100 microg/site) led to increased plasma exudation in the skin. The LPA-induced plasma exudation was inhibited by ketotifen, a histamine H1-receptor antagonist, and diacylglycerol pyrophosphate (DGPP), a LPA1/LPA3-receptor antagonist. Moreover, pretreatment with pertussis toxin and DGPP inhibited the histamine release from peritoneal mast cells induced by LPA. These findings indicate that plasma exudation induced by LPA is mediated by histamine release from mast cells via LPA receptor(s), presumably LPA1 and/or LPA3, coupled to G(i/o) proteins. Moreover, these findings point to a role of LPA in the pathomechanisms of various allergic disorders.

Lysophospholipids as mediators of immunity

Lysophospholipids (LPLs) are lipid-derived signaling molecules exemplified by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). Originally identified as serum-associated growth factors, these mediators now are known to signal through a family of diverse G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Virtually all cells that participate in the immune response express multiple receptors for LPLs. The development of antibody reagents that recognize the receptors for each LPL and the derivation of receptor-selective agonists and receptor-null mouse strains have provided insights into the widely diverse functions of LPLs in immune responses, particularly the role of S1P in lymphocyte trafficking. This review focuses on the biology of the LPLs as these molecules relate to functional regulation of immune cells in vitro and to the regulation of integrated immune responses in vivo.

Neutrophil sphingosine 1-phosphate and lysophosphatidic acid receptors in pneumonia

The phospholipids sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) act via transmembrane receptors S1P 1-5 and LPA 1-3, respectively. Both have been implicated in inflammatory responses. S1P and LPA receptor profiles on neutrophils of patients with pneumonia compared with healthy subjects were determined by PCR and Western blotting. Chemotaxis studies were performed to assess functional differences. S1P or LPA receptors were immunoprecipitated from neutrophils to assess receptor heterodimerization with CXCR1, an IL-8 receptor, by Western blotting. Receptors S1P 1, 4, and 5 and LPA 2 were expressed on neutrophils from both subject groups, but S1P 3 and LPA 1 receptor expression was mainly confined to neutrophils of patients with pneumonia. Chemotaxis of neutrophils from patients with pneumonia compared with control subjects was significantly increased in response to S1P and LPA. Pretreatment with S1P or LPA reduced IL-8-induced neutrophil chemotaxis and transcriptional expression of the CXCR1 receptor. Receptors S1P 3 and 4 and LPA 1 formed constitutive heterodimers with CXCR1. LPA treatment reduced the amount of LPA 1/CXCR1 heterodimer. Therefore, profiles of S1P and LPA receptors differ between neutrophils of patients with pneumonia and control subjects, with consequences for neutrophil function.

Down-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase by lysophosphatidic acid in human respiratory epithelial cells

Viral infection generally results in the activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS or NOS2) in respiratory epithelial cells by inflammatory cytokines. Activated NOS2 catalyzes synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), which in excess can cause cellular injury. On the other hand, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a lipid mediator released from epithelial cells, platelets, and fibroblasts in injured tissue, functions in repair of cell injury. However, details of the mechanism for repair by LPA remain unknown. We demonstrated one effect of LPA favoring repair, specifically inhibition by LPA of cytokine-induced NOS2 protein and mRNA expression by human respiratory epithelial cells in vitro. NO production by LPA-treated, cytokine-stimulated cells was also reduced. These decreases were prevented by Rho kinase inhibition with Y-27632. Thus, down-regulation by LPA of cytokine-induced increases in NOS2 activity is likely to involve a Rho-dependent signaling pathway. Harmful biologic effects of NO in viral respiratory infection might be modified by therapeutic manipulations involving LPA or Rho.

Lysophosphatidic acid induces histamine release from mast cells and skin fragments

The present study examined whether lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) induces histamine release and the role of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) in histamine release utilizing Y-27632, an inhibitor of ROCK. Rat peritoneal mast cells and mouse skin fragments were challenged with LPA; subsequently, histamine contents were measured by spectrofluorometric assay. LPA-induced histamine release from mast cells and skin fragments occurred in a time- and dose-dependent manner Pretreatment with Y-27632 inhibited LPA-induced histamine release in a dose-dependent fashion. LPA-induced histamine release was not influenced by calcium-free conditions; however, A23187-induced histamine release decreased significantly. TMB-8, an intracellular calcium antagonist, dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release under these conditions. Additionally, Y-27632 scarcely affected A23187-induced histamine release. These findings suggest that LPA-induced histamine release may be attributable to calcium release from intracellular stores. Moreover, ROCK participates in the extracellular calcium-independent process of LPA-induced histamine release.

Protein Kinase Cδ Mediates Lysophosphatidic Acid-induced NF-κB Activation and Interleukin-8 Secretion in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a potent bioactive lipid, elicits many of its biological actions via the specific G-protein-coupled receptors LPA1, LPA2, LPA3, and LPA4. Recently, we have shown that LPA-induced transactivation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta is regulated by phospholipase D2 in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEpCs) (Wang, L., Cummings, R. J., Zhao, Y., Kazlauskas, A., Sham, J., Morris, A., Brindley, D. N., Georas, S., and Natarajan, V. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 39931-39940). Here, we report that protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta) mediates LPA-induced NF-kappaB transcription and interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion in HBEpCs. Treatment of HBEpCs with LPA increased both IL-8 gene and protein expression, which was coupled to Gi and G(12/13) proteins. LPA caused a marked activation of NF-kappaB in HBEpCs as determined by IkappaB phosphorylation and of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and a strong induction of NF-kappaB promoter-mediated luciferase activity. Furthermore, LPA-activated PKCdelta and the LPA-mediated activation of NF-kappaB and IL-8 production were attenuated by overexpression of dominant-negative PKCdelta and rottlerin. Intratracheal administration of LPA in mice resulted in elevated levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-2, a murine homolog of IL-8, and an influx of neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These results demonstrate for the first time that LPA is a potent stimulator of IL-8 production in HBEpCs, which involves PKCdelta/NF-kappaB signaling pathways.

Spider and Bacterial Sphingomyelinases D Target Cellular Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptors by Hydrolyzing Lysophosphatidylcholine

Bites by Loxosceles spiders can produce severe clinical symptoms, including dermonecrosis, thrombosis, vascular leakage, hemolysis, and persistent inflammation. The causative factor is a sphingomyelinase D (SMaseD) that cleaves sphingomyelin into choline and ceramide 1-phosphate. A similar enzyme, showing comparable bioactivity, is secreted by certain pathogenic corynebacteria and acts as a potent virulence factor. However, the molecular basis for SMaseD toxicity is not well understood, which hampers effective therapy. Here we show that the spider and bacterial SMases D hydrolyze albumin-bound lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), but not sphingosylphosphorylcholine, with K(m) values ( approximately 20-40 microm) well below the normal LPC levels in blood. Thus, toxic SMases D have intrinsic lysophospholipase D activity toward LPC. LPC hydrolysis yields the lipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a known inducer of platelet aggregation, endothelial hyperpermeability, and pro-inflammatory responses. Introduction of LPA(1) receptor cDNA into LPA receptor-negative cells renders non-susceptible cells susceptible to SmaseD, but only in LPC-containing media. Degradation of circulating LPC to LPA with consequent activation of LPA receptors may have a previously unappreciated role in the pathophysiology of secreted SMases D.

Enhancement of migration and invasion of hepatoma cells via a Rho GTPase signaling pathway

AIM: Intrahepatic extension is the main cause of liver failure and death in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The small GTPase Rho and one of its effector molecules ROCK regulate cytoskeleton and actomyosin contractility, and play a crucial role in cell adhesion and motility. We investigated the role of small GTPase Rho in biological behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma to demonstrate the importance of Rho in cancer invasion and metastasis.

METHODS: Using Western blotting, we quantitated Rho protein expression in SMMC-7721 cells induced by Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Furthermore, we examined the role of Rho signaling in regulating the motile and invasive properties of tumor cells.

RESULTS: Rho protein expression was stimulated by LPA. Using the Rhotekin binding assay to assess Rho activation, we observed that the level of GTP-bound Rho was elevated transiently after the addition of LPA, and Y-27632 decreased the level of active Rho. LPA enhanced the motility of tumor cells and facilitated their invasion. Rho played an essential role in the migratory process, as evidenced by the inhibition of migration and motility of cancer cells by a specific inhibitor of ROCK, Y-27632.

CONCLUSION: The finding that invasiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma is facilitated by the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway is likely to be relevant to tumor progression and Y-27632 may be a new potential effective agent for the prevention of intrahepatic extension of human liver cancer.