Recombinant phospholipase A2 inhibitor of Sinonatrix annularis (ringed water snake) attenuates hemorrhagic action of the venom from Daboia siamensis (Siamese Russell's viper).

Peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6), a bifunctional enzyme with glutathione peroxidase and phospholipase A2 (PLA(2)) activities, participates in the activation of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) in neutrophils, but the mechanism for this effect is not known. We now demonstrate that Prdx6 is required for agonist-induced NOX2 activation in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVEC) and that the effect requires the PLA(2) activity of Prdx6. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to angiotensin II (Ang II) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was markedly reduced in perfused lungs and isolated PMVEC from Prdx6 null mice. Rac1 and p47(phox), cytosolic components of NOX2, translocated to the endothelial cell membrane after Ang II treatment in wild-type but not Prdx6 null PMVEC. MJ33, an inhibitor of Prdx6 PLA(2) activity, blocked agonist-induced PLA(2) activity and ROS generation in PMVEC by >80%, whereas inhibitors of other PLA(2)s were ineffective. Transfection of Prx6 null cells with wild-type and C47S mutant Prdx6, but not with mutants of the PLA(2) active site (S32A, H26A, and D140A), "rescued" Ang II-induced PLA(2) activity and ROS generation. Ang II treatment of wild-type cells resulted in phosphorylation of Prdx6 and its subsequent translocation from the cytosol to the cell membrane. Phosphorylation as well as PLA(2) activity and ROS generation were markedly reduced by the MAPK inhibitor, U0126. Thus, agonist-induced MAPK activation leads to Prdx6 phosphorylation and translocation to the cell membrane, where its PLA(2) activity facilitates assembly of the NOX2 complex and activation of the oxidase.

Australian elapid snakes are among the most venomous in the world. Their venoms contain multiple components that target blood hemostasis, neuromuscular signaling, and the cardiovascular system. We describe here a comprehensive approach to separation and identification of the venom proteins from 18 of these snake species, representing nine genera. The venom protein components were separated by two-dimensional PAGE and identified using mass spectrometry and de novo peptide sequencing. The venoms are complex mixtures showing up to 200 protein spots varying in size from <7 to over 150 kDa and in pI from 3 to >10. These include many proteins identified previously in Australian snake venoms, homologs identified in other snake species, and some novel proteins. In many cases multiple trains of spots were typically observed in the higher molecular mass range (>20 kDa) (indicative of post-translational modification). Venom proteins and their post-translational modifications were characterized using specific antibodies, phosphoprotein- and glycoprotein-specific stains, enzymatic digestion, lectin binding, and antivenom reactivity. In the lower molecular weight range, several proteins were identified, but the predominant species were phospholipase A2 and alpha-neurotoxins, both represented by different sequence variants. The higher molecular weight range contained proteases, nucleotidases, oxidases, and homologs of mammalian coagulation factors. This information together with the identification of several novel proteins (metalloproteinases, vespryns, phospholipase A2 inhibitors, protein-disulfide isomerase, 5'-nucleotidases, cysteine-rich secreted proteins, C-type lectins, and acetylcholinesterases) aids in understanding the lethal mechanisms of elapid snake venoms and represents a valuable resource for future development of novel human therapeutics.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) following Eastern Russell’s viper (Daboia siamensis) envenoming is a significant symptom in systemically envenomed victims. A number of venom components have been identified as causing the nephrotoxicity which leads to AKI. However, the precise mechanism of nephrotoxicity caused by these toxins is still unclear. In the present study, we purified two proteins from D. siamensis venom, namely RvPLA2 and RvMP. Protein identification using LCMS/MS confirmed the identity of RvPLA2 to be snake venom phospholipase A2 (SVPLA2) from Thai D. siamensis venom, whereas RvMP exhibited the presence of a factor X activator with two subunits. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies demonstrated myotoxicity and histopathological changes of kidney, heart, and spleen. RvPLA2 (3–10 µg/mL) caused inhibition of direct twitches of the chick biventer cervicis muscle preparation. After administration of RvPLA2 or RvMP (300 µg/kg, i.p.) for 24 h, diffuse glomerular congestion and tubular injury with minor loss of brush border were detected in envenomed mice. RvPLA2 and RvMP (300 µg/kg; i.p.) also induced congestion and tissue inflammation of heart muscle as well as diffuse congestion of mouse spleen. This study showed the significant roles of PLA2 and SVMP in snake bite envenoming caused by Thai D. siamensis and their similarities with observed clinical manifestations in envenomed victims. This study also indicated that there is a need to reevaluate the current treatment strategies for Thai D. siamensis envenoming, given the potential for irreversible nephrotoxicity.

Previous studies suggested a role for calcium in CYP2E1-dependent toxicity. The possible role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activation in this toxicity was investigated. HepG2 cells that overexpress CYP2E1 (E47 cells) exposed to arachidonic acid (AA) +Fe-NTA showed higher toxicity than control HepG2 cells not expressing CYP2E1 (C34 cells). This toxicity was inhibited by the PLA2 inhibitors aristolochic acid, quinacrine, and PTK. PLA2 activity assessed by release of preloaded [3H]AA after treatment with AA+Fe was higher in the CYP2E1 expressing HepG2 cells. This [3H]AA release was inhibited by PLA2 inhibitors, alpha-tocopherol, and by depleting Ca2+ from the cells (intracellular + extracellular sources), but not by removal of extracellular calcium alone. Toxicity was preceded by an increase in intracellular calcium caused by influx from the extracellular space, and this was prevented by PLA2 inhibitors. PLA2 inhibitors also blocked mitochondrial damage in the CYP2E1-expressing HepG2 cells exposed to AA+Fe. Ca2+ depletion and removal of extracellular calcium inhibited toxicity at early time periods, although a delayed toxicity was evident at later times in Ca2+-free medium. This later toxicity was also inhibited by PLA2 inhibitors. Analogous to PLA2 activity, Ca2+ depletion but not removal of extracellular calcium alone prevented the activation of calpain activity by AA+Fe. These results suggest that release of stored calcium by AA+Fe, induced by lipid peroxidation, can initially activate calpain and PLA2 activity, that PLA2 activation is critical for a subsequent increased influx of extracellular Ca2+, and that the combination of increased PLA2 and calpain activity, increased calcium and oxidative stress cause mitochondrial damage, that ultimately produces the rapid toxicity of AA+Fe in CYP2E1-expressing HepG2 cells.

Effect of Phospholipase A2 Inhibitors on the Release of Arachidonic Acid and Cell Viability in Cold-Stored Hepatocytes

Inhibition of Human Skin Phospholipase A2 by “Lipocortins” Is an Indirect Effect of Substrate/Lipocortin Interaction

Specific inhibition of Xenorhabdus hominickii, an entomopathogenic bacterium, against different types of host insect phospholipase A2.

Maturational changes in rabbit renal cortical phospholipase A2 activity

Effects of phospholipase A2 and metalloprotease fractions of Russell's viper venom on cytokines and renal hemodynamics in dogs

Peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) is a bifunctional protein with glutathione peroxidase and phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activities, and it alone among mammalian peroxiredoxins can hydrolyze phospholipids. After identifying a potential catalytic triad (S32, H26, D140) from the crystal structure, site-specific mutations were used to evaluate the role of these residues in protein structure and function. The S32A mutation increased Prdx6 alpha-helical content, whereas secondary structure was unchanged by mutation to H26A and D140A. Lipid binding by wild-type Prdx6 to negatively charged unilamellar liposomes showed an apparent rate constant of 11.2 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) and a dissociation constant of 0.36 microM. Both binding and PLA(2) activity were abolished in S32A and H26A; in D140A, activity was abolished but binding was unaffected. Overoxidation of the peroxidatic C47 had no effect on lipid binding or PLA(2) activity. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer from endogenous tryptophanyls to lipid probes showed binding of the phospholipid polar head in close proximity to S32. Thus, H26 is a site for interfacial binding to the liposomal surface, S32 has a key role in maintaining Prdx6 structure and for phospholipid substrate binding, and D140 is involved in catalysis. This putative catalytic triad plays an essential role for interactions of Prdx6 with phospholipid substrate to optimize the protein-substrate complex for hydrolysis.

The effects of several calcium antagonists on phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity were examined. Nifedipine and nisoldipine inhibited a cell-free preparation of PLA2 in a dose-dependent manner with maximal inhibition of 71-77% observed at 100 microM. More potent or equipotent dihydropyridine calcium antagonists such as nitrendipine and felodipine did not inhibit PLA2 activity. In addition, nondihydropyridine calcium antagonists such as diltiazem, verapamil, and cinnarazine failed to reduce PLA2 activity markedly. Nifedipine and nisoldipine also reduced PLA2 activity in intact mouse peritoneal macrophages where PLA2 activity was monitored by free [14C]arachidonic acid release from [14C]arachidonic acid-prelabeled cells. When levels of PGE2 and LTC4 were measured by radioimmunoassay, it was found that the synthesis of these two metabolites was concomitantly inhibited by nifedipine and nisoldipine. In vivo, nifedipine and nisoldipine inhibited tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) induced ear edema. UV irradiation of nifedipine and nisoldipine (which destroys the slow calcium-channel-blocking activity of these compounds) did not result in a loss of PLA2 inhibitory activity. In fact, in both instances the UV-irradiated forms of nifedipine and nisoldipine were slightly more potent PLA2 inhibitors than the parent compound alone. We therefore conclude that the ability of nifedipine and nisoldipine to inhibit PLA2 was direct and unrelated to their actions on slow calcium channels.

The regulation of the lysophospholipase activity of the 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was studied in vitro and in stimulated macrophages. Bovine serum albumin was found to inhibit lysophospholipase activity of the recombinant 85-kDa PLA2 when assayed at a relatively low substrate concentration. Inhibition could be reversed if the substrate concentration was increased or if Ca2+ was present in the assay. Incubation of recombinant enzyme with macrophage membranes and lipid extracts from macrophage membranes resulted in the release of arachidonic acid, as well as, stearic acid, which is enriched at the sn-1 position of macrophage phospholipids. This suggests that with a bilayer substrate the PLA2 can sequentially deacylate the sn-2 then sn-1 acyl groups. This was verified by demonstrating that the phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol, were hydrolyzed to glycerophosphocholine and glycerophosphoinositol by incubation with recombinant 85-kDa PLA2. The 85-kDa enzyme was identified as the main lysophospholipase activity in mouse peritoneal macrophage cytosols. Addition of Ca2+ to the assay enhanced activity, but this effect decreased as the substrate concentration was increased. Incubation of macrophages with zymosan increased the lysophospholipase activity of the 85-kDa PLA2 in cytosols. Phosphorylation of recombinant PLA2 with mitogen-activated protein kinase resulted in an increase in lysophospholipase, as well as, PLA2 activity. In macrophages stimulated with zymosan release of stearic acid (18:0) and palmitic acid (16:0) was observed in addition to arachidonic acid (20:4). These results are consistent with a role of the 85-kDa PLA2 in regulating lysophospholipid levels in macrophages during zymosan stimulation.

Snake venoms are rich in phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and their hydrolysis of cell membrane phospholipids explains the role of the enzyme in venom toxicity. Calcium is known to plays important role at the active site of PLA2 during catalysis. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations of free PLA2 and calcium bound PLA2 were carried out using GROMACS 4.5.5 to evaluate the role of calcium in PLA2 catalysis. The results showed that calcium induced formation of helical structures between Arg62 - Lys66, Asn107 - Tyr111 and Asp114 - Cys119 in PLA2 which with time disappeared through the formation and opening of loops. Calcium induced atomistic movements and conformational changes in snake venom PLA2 which led to the formation of a widened cleft at the active site of calcium bound PLA2 when compared with free PLA2. This could lead to a better binding and accommodation of substrate, thus enhancing catalysis. This study confirms the role of calcium towards the action of PLA2 in snake venom toxicity and could provide useful information for the design of small molecules that can function as PLA2 inhibitors.

Background: In order to elucidate one of the pathogenic mechanisms of ARDS associated with pulmonary surfactant and oxidant injury, acute lung injury was induced by N-nitroso- N-methylurethane (NNNMU). In this model, the role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), surfactant, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and morphology were investigated to delineate one of the pathogenic mechanisms of ARDS by inhibition of PLA2 with high dose of dexamethasone. Method: Acute lung injury was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by NNNMU which is known to induce acute lung injury in experimental animals. To know the function of the alveolar type II cells, GGT activity in the lung and bronchoalveolar lavage was measured. Surfactant phospholipid was measured also. PLA2 activity was measured to know the role of PLA2 in ARDS. Morphological study was performed to know the effect of PLA2 inhibition on the ultrastructure of the lung by high dose of dexamethasone. Results: Six days after NNNMU treatment (4 mg/kg), conspicuous pulmonary edema was induced and the secretion of pulmonary surfactant was decreased significantly. In the acutely injured rats' lung massive infiltration of leukocytes was observed. At the same time rats given NNNMU had increased PLA2 and GGT activity tremendously. Morphological study revealed bizarre shaped alveolar type II cells and hypertrophied lamellar bodies in the cytoplasm of the alveolar type II cells. But after dexamethasone treatment (20 mg/kg, for six days) in NNNMU-treated rats, these changes were diminished i.e. there were decrease of pulmonary edema and increase of surfactant secretion from alveolar type II cells. Rats given dexamethasone and NNNMU had decreased PLA2 and GGT activity in comparison to NNNMU induced ARDS rats. Conclusion: Inhibition of PLA2 by high dose of dexamethasone decreased pathological findings caused by infiltration of leukocytes and respiratory burst. Based on these experimental results, it is suggested that an activation of PLA2 is the one of the major factors to evoke the acute lung injury in NNNMU-induced ARDS rats.

Many important mediators of inflammation result from the liberation of free arachidonic acid from phospholipid pools which is thought to result from the action of phospholipase A2 (PLA2). It is believed, therefore, that the inhibition of PLA2 would be an important treatment in many inflammatory disease states. The anti-inflammatory agent BMS-181162 (4-(3'-carboxyphenyl)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2",6",6"-trimethyl-1"-cyclohexenyl )-2Z,4E , 6E,8E-nonatetraenoic acid) selectively inhibits PLA2 and has been shown to block arachidonic acid release in whole cells. The mechanism of inhibition of human non-pancreatic-secreted PLA2 by BMS-181162 is investigated in this paper. A scooting mode assay in which the enzyme is irreversibly bound to vesicles of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphomethanol containing 5 mol % of 1-palmitoyl-2-[1-14C]arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, was used to characterize the inhibition. With this assay system, BMS-181162 inhibited the enzyme in a dose-dependent manner. Compounds which inhibit in the scooting mode have been shown to be competitive inhibitors in the interface (Gelb, M. H., Berg, O., and Jain, M. K. (1991) Curr. Op. Struct. Biol. 1, 836-843). This was verified by demonstrating that the inhibition was not due to the desorption of the enzyme from the lipid-water interface. Additionally, the compound did not measurably affect the rate of association onto the vesicles. Therefore, the inhibition was not the result of a modulation of the bilayer morphology nor an interaction with the interfacial binding site on the enzyme. The degree of inhibition was dependent on the reaction volume which indicates that the inhibitor is only partially partitioned into the bilayer. After compensating for this partitioning, the dose-dependent inhibition could be defined by kinetic equations describing competitive inhibition at the interface. The equilibrium dissociation constant for the inhibitor bound to the enzyme at the interface (KI*) was determined to be 0.013 mol fraction, thus demonstrating that BMS-181162 represents a novel structural class of tight-binding competitive inhibitors of human nonpancreatic secreted PLA2. Using Escherichia coli membranes as substrate, to which the enzyme binds to the interface reversibly, the inhibition showed a nonclassical kinetic pattern which is also consistent with a partial partitioning of the inhibitor into the bilayer. This was verified by a direct measurement of the amount of inhibitor remaining in solution. The implications for in vivo efficacy which result from this mechanism are discussed.