Cyclooxygenase Of Arachidonic Acid Metabolism Research Articles

Functional Interaction between Acyl-CoA Synthetase 4, Lipooxygenases and Cyclooxygenase-2 in the Aggressive Phenotype of Breast Cancer Cells

The acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) is increased in breast cancer, colon and hepatocellular carcinoma. ACSL4 mainly esterifies arachidonic acid (AA) into arachidonoyl-CoA, reducing free AA intracellular levels, which is in contradiction with the need for AA metabolites in tumorigenesis. Therefore, the causal role of ACSL4 is still not established. This study was undertaken to determine the role of ACSL4 in AA metabolic pathway in breast cancer cells. The first novel finding is that ACSL4 regulates the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the production of prostaglandin in MDA-MB-231 cells. We also found that ACSL4 is significantly up-regulated in the highly aggressive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. In terms of its overexpression and inhibition, ACSL4 plays a causal role in the control of the aggressive phenotype. These results were confirmed by the increase in the aggressive behaviour of MCF-7 cells stably transfected with a Tet-off ACSL4 vector. Concomitantly, another significant finding was that intramitochondrial AA levels are significantly higher in the aggressive cells. Thus, the esterification of AA by ACSL4 compartmentalizes the release of AA in mitochondria, a mechanism that serves to drive the specific lipooxygenase metabolization of the fatty acid. To our knowledge, this is the first report that ACSL4 expression controls both lipooxygenase and cyclooxygenase metabolism of AA. Thus, this functional interaction represents an integrated system that regulates the proliferating and metastatic potential of cancer cells. Therefore, the development of combinatory therapies that profit from the ACSL4, lipooxygenase and COX-2 synergistic action may allow for lower medication doses and avoidance of side effects.

Salt-sensitive hypertension and reduced fertility in mice lacking the prostaglandin EP2 receptor.

Prostaglandins (PGs) are ubiquitous lipid mediators derived from cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid that exert a broad range of physiologic activities, including modulation of inflammation, ovulation and arterial blood pressure. PGE2, a chief cyclooxygenase product, modulates blood pressure and fertility, although the specific G protein-coupled receptors mediating these effects remain poorly defined. To evaluate the physiologic role of the PGE2 EP2 receptor subtype, we created mice with targeted disruption of this gene (EP2-/-). EP2-/- mice develop normally but produce small litters and have slightly elevated baseline systolic blood pressure. In EP2-/- mice, the characteristic hypotensive effect of intravenous PGE2 infusion was absent; PGE2 infusion instead produced hypertension. When fed a diet high in salt, the EP2-/- mice developed profound systolic hypertension, whereas wild-type mice showed no change in systolic blood pressure. Analysis of wild-type and EP2-/- mice on day 5 of pregnancy indicated that the reduced litter size of EP2-/- mice is due to a pre-implantation defect. This reduction of implanted embryos could be accounted for by impaired ovulation and dramatic reductions in fertilization observed on day 2 of pregnancy. These data demonstrate that the EP2 receptor mediates arterial dilatation, salt-sensitive hypertension, and also plays an essential part in female fertility.

Comparison of the effects of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite on the 12-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid in rabbit platelets

The effects of a new type of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing compound, 1-hydroxyl-2-oxo-3-(N-methyl-3-aminopropyl)-3-methyl-1-triazene (NOC7), and peroxynitrite (ONOO −) on the formation of 12-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), thromboxane (TX) B 2 and 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid (HHT) from exogenous arachidonic acid in washed rabbit platelets have been compared. At concentrations of 5 μM and below, NOC7 inhibited 12-HETE formation (56.5–98.8% inhibition). Moreover, NOC7 inhibited TXB 2 and HHT formation at concentrations ranging from 5 to 20 μM (TXB 2, 62.2–88.1% inhibition; HHT, 11.6–62.2% inhibition). ONOO − had little or no effect on the production of these three metabolites at concentrations of up to 50 μM. Experiments utilizing a new class of NO antidote, carboxy-2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide, revealed that the observed effects of NOC7 are caused by NO. The effects of NO were reversed by addition of the superoxide generating system (xanthine plus xanthine oxidase and catalase), indicating that superoxide is a vital modulator of the action of NO. These results suggest that NO, but not ONOO − (up to 50 μM), can be a potent dual inhibitor of the 12-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activities in platelets and that superoxide is an important regulator of the action of NO.

Effects of daphnodorin A, B and C, new flavans isolated from traditional Chinese medicine, on the 12-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid in rabbit platelets

The effects of daphnodorin A, B and C, isolated from the root and bark of Daphne odora THUNB, on the activities of 12-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase in rabbit platelets were examined. Daphnodorin A and C were inhibitors of platelet 12-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activities. Daphnodorin B had no effect on the two enzymatic pathways. The present data raise the possibility that daphnodorin A and C can be anti-thrombotic and anti-atherosclerotic drugs through the suppressive influence on the platelet 12-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase.

Cyclooxygenase Products Contribute to Endothelin-induced Pulmonary Hypertension and Altered Lung Mechanics in Sheep

Endothelins have potent biological effect in vivo which may, in part, be mediated by stimulation of cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid. We administered endothelins (ETs) intravenously to chronically instrumented awake sheep with and without pretreatment with meclofenamate (n=8). 30 μg doses of ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3 caused similar degrees of acute elevation of pulmonary artery pressure (PPA), reduction of the dynamic compliance of the lungs (Cdyn), and increases in lung lymph flow. Pretreatment with meclofenamate inhibited the rise in PPAand reduction in Cdyn, but had no effect on lung lymph flow. We conclude that the biological effects of the endothelins on PPAand Cdyn, but not lung fluid balance, are mediated in part by cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism.

Effects of fatty acyl coenzyme a esters on lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid in rabbit platelets

The effects of fatty acyl coenzyme A (CoA) esters (palmitoyl-, stearoyl-, oleoyl-, linoleoyl- and arachidonoyl—CoA) on the activities of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase in rabbit platelets were examined. Palmitoyl-, stearoyl-, oleoyl- and linoleoyl- CoA were potent inhibitors of platelet lipoxygenase activity. In addition to the lipoxygenase, the four fatty acyl-CoA esters elicited inhibitory activity on platelet cyclooxygenase, although the inhibition was a little weaker. The CoA derivative of the icosanoid precursor arachidonic acid (AA) showed little inhibition on lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase. Palmitic, stearic and oleic acids had little or no effect on lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, in contrast with their CoA derivatives. Linoleic acid was more potent than linoleoyl-CoA as an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase, but it was a weak inhibitor of the lipoxygenase. These results suggest that the CoA derivatives of palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids have the potential to modulate both platelet lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activities and may have functional effects within platelets.

Effect of dietary n-3 fatty acids on cerebral microcirculation.

The purpose of these studies was to determine the effects of dietary n-3 fish oil on cerebrovascular reactivity and cerebrospinal fluid prostaglandin levels. Adult rabbits (n = 30) received fish oil (200 mg/kg eicosapentaenoic + 143 mg/kg docosahexaenoic acid), corn oil, or water by daily gavage for 6 wk and were then tested for their pial arteriolar diameter response to topical acetylcholine, bradykinin, or systemic asphyxia using the cranial window technique. Plasma and platelet fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography. Cerebrospinal fluid prostaglandin E and serum thromboxane B2 were measured by radioimmunoassay. n-3 Fatty acids were enriched in the plasma and platelets of the fish oil group (P less than 0.05). Serum thromboxane B2 was decreased by 31% in the fish oil group (P less than 0.05). The diameter response to acetylcholine and asphyxia was the same in all groups; however, the dilator response to bradykinin, which is known to be mediated by oxygen radicals, was significantly diminished in the fish oil group (P less than 0.05). Cerebrospinal fluid prostaglandin E concentration increased in response to acetylcholine, bradykinin, and asphyxia; however, the percent increase was less in the fish oil group. In summary, dietary n-3 fatty acids, which are purported to decrease heart disease, appear to selectively affect cerebral arteriolar reactivity, which is normally dependent on cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid and formation of vasoactive oxygen radicals.

Oxygen metabolites stimulate release of high-molecular-weight glycoconjugates by cell and organ cultures of rodent respiratory epithelium via an arachidonic acid-dependent mechanism.

Several common pulmonary disorders characterized by mucus hypersecretion and airway obstruction may relate to increased levels of inhaled or endogenously generated oxidants (O2 metabolites) in the respiratory tract. We found that O2 metabolites stimulated release of high-molecular-weight glycoconjugates (HMG) by respiratory epithelial cells in vitro through a mechanism involving cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid. Noncytolytic concentrations of chemically generated O2 metabolites (purine + xanthine oxidase) stimulated HMG release by cell and explant cultures of rodent airway epithelium, an effect which is inhibitable by coaddition of specific O2 metabolite scavengers or inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism. Addition of O2 metabolites to epithelial cells provoked production of PGF2a, an effect also inhibitable by coaddition of O2 metabolite scavengers or inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism. Finally, addition of exogenous PGF2a to cell cultures stimulated HMG release. We conclude that O2 metabolites increase release of respiratory HMG through a mechanism involving cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid with production mainly of PGF2a. This mechanism may be fundamental to the pathogenesis of a variety of lung diseases associated with hypersecretion of mucus and/or other epithelial fluids, as well as a basic cellular response to increased oxidants.

Relative effects of flurbiprofen on platelet 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid and thromboxane A 2 production: Influence on collagen-induced platelet aggregation and adhesion

Flurbiprofen has been shown to inhibit cyclo-oxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid to thromboxane A 2 (TxA 2), resulting in the inhibition of platelet aggregation. Recently, our laboratory reported that the “irreversible” phase of platelet aggregation and adhesion were regulated, in part, by the lipoxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid to 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) in platelets, and that selective inhibition of one enzyme i.e. either cyclo-oxygenase or lipoxygenase, resulted in paradoxical effects on the metabolism of arachidonic acid and platelet response related to the other pathway. Therefore, we performed experiments to assess the relative effects of flurbiprofen on TxA 2 and 12-HETE synthesis, and on collagen-induced platelet aggregation and platelet adhesion to collagen-coated surfaces. “Irreversible” collagen-induced platelet aggregation was only partially inhibited by pre-incubation with 1 × 10 −6 M flurbiprofen, while TxA 2 production was elevated and 12-HETE production was maximally inhibited in these platelets. At this concentration of flurbiprofen (1 × 10 −6M), collagen-induced platelet adhesion was also reduced by 50%. At higher concentrations of flurbiprofen, both platelet aggregation and adhesion were further reduced, with a corresponding inhibition of TxA 2 production. Thus it appears that the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism in platelets is not only inhibited by flurbiprofen, but is more sensitive to inhibition by flurbiprofen than the cyclo-oxygenase pathway. This differential effect of flurbiprofen on arachidonic acid metabolism in the platelet is related to differential effects on platelet function.

Cerebral superoxide anion generation during seizures in newborn pigs.

Cerebral superoxide anion generation during bicuculline-induced seizures was measured in newborn pigs. Using two closed cranial windows inserted over the parietal cortices, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-inhibitable nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction was determined during 20 min of seizure activity induced by bicuculline, 5 mg/kg i.v. A modest increase in SOD-inhibitable NBT reduction was observed in piglets subjected to bicuculline-induced seizure activity (2.4 +/- 0.6 pmol/mm2 in 20 min) when compared to control piglets (0.4 +/- 0.3 pmol/mm2 in 20 min). Pretreatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg i.v.) reduced SOD-inhibitable NBT reduction during seizures to the control level (0.5 +/- 0.4 pmol/mm2 in 20 min). We conclude that small quantities of superoxide anion radical are produced by newborn pig brain during bicuculline-induced seizures and that cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid appears to be a major source.

Effect of inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid on response to endotoxemia in sheep.

We studied the effects of a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, L-651,192, on the pulmonary dysfunction caused by endotoxemia in chronically instrumented unanesthetized sheep. The efficacy and selectivity of L-651,392 were tested by measuring in vivo production of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid after endotoxemia before and after pretreatment with L-651,392 and ex vivo from granulocytes and whole blood stimulated with calcium ionophore from sheep before and 24 h after pretreatment with L-651,392. A novel assay for LTB4 by high-performance liquid chromatography/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques was developed as a measure of 5-lipoxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid. L-651,392 proved to be an effective in vivo 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor in sheep. L-651,392 blocked the increase in LTB4 observed in lung lymph after endotoxemia in vivo in sheep as well as inhibited by 80% the ex vivo production of LTB4 by granulocytes removed from sheep treated 24 h earlier with L-651,392. Although L-651,392 blocked the increase in cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid observed in lung lymph after endotoxemia in vivo in sheep, the drug probably did not function directly as a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. L-651,392 did not attenuate the ex vivo production of thromboxane B2 by whole blood from sheep treated 24 h earlier with the drug. L-651,392 attenuated the alterations in pulmonary hemodynamics, lung mechanics, oxygenation, and lung fluid and solute exchange observed after endotoxemia in sheep. We speculate that 5-lipoxygenase products are a major stimulus for cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid after endotoxemia in sheep.

Postischemic generation of superoxide anion by newborn pig brain.

Cerebral superoxide anion generation during reperfusion after total cerebral ischemia was measured in newborn pigs. Superoxide dismutase (SOD)-inhibitable nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction was determined using two closed cranial windows inserted over the parietal cortices. Twenty minutes of total cerebral ischemia was produced by increasing intracranial pressure, and SOD-inhibitable NBT reduction was determined during 20 min of reperfusion. SOD-inhibitable NBT reduction (8.7 +/- 1.5 pmol.mm-2.20 min-1) was greater in piglets subjected to cerebral ischemia followed by reperfusion than in control piglets not exposed to ischemia (1.6 +/- 1.3 pmol.mm-2.20 min-1). Pretreatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg iv) markedly reduced postischemia SOD-inhibitable NBT reduction (2.8 +/- 1.1 pmol.mm-2.20 min-1). We conclude that superoxide anion radical is produced by newborn pig brain during postischemic reperfusion. Furthermore, cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid appears to be a major source of this activated oxygen during reperfusion of ischemic piglet brain.

Modulation of alveolar macrophage-derived 5-lipoxygenase products by the sulfhydryl reactant, N-ethylmaleimide.

The sulfhydryl reactant N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) stimulates the release and cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid in rat alveolar macrophages. Because both 5-lipoxygenation and leukotriene (LT) C4 synthesis represent sulfhydryl-dependent steps in the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, we examined the effect of NEM on 5-lipoxygenase, as well as cyclooxygenase, metabolism in resting and agonist-stimulated cells by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay. NEM at 5-10 microM stimulated the synthesis of thromboxane, but not prostaglandin E2 or the 5-lipoxygenase products LTC4, LTB4, or 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid from endogenously released arachidonate. In the presence of exogenous fatty acid, however, NEM stimulated the synthesis of large quantities of LTB4. The effect of NEM on arachidonate metabolism stimulated by the calcium ionophore A23187 and the particulate zymosan was also investigated. NEM augmented arachidonate release and thromboxane synthesis stimulated by A23187 but inhibited A23187-induced LTC4 synthesis with an IC50 of approximately 4.3 microM. This inhibitory effect closely paralleled the ability of NEM to deplete intracellular glutathione (IC50 approximately 4.3 microM). Preincubation with the intracellular cysteine delivery agent L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate augmented intracellular glutathione concentration and A23187-stimulated LTC4 synthesis and attenuated the capacity of NEM to deplete glutathione and inhibit LTC4 synthesis. While LTB4 and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic synthesis were unaffected at these low NEM concentrations, LTB4 synthesis was inhibited at high concentrations (IC50 approximately 210 microM). Zymosan-induced eicosanoid synthesis was modulated by NEM in a similar fashion. Thus, NEM is an agonist of arachidonate metabolism with the capacity to modulate the spectrum of macrophage-derived eicosanoids by virtue of specific biochemical interactions with substrates and enzymes of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway.

H-2 specific inotropic effect of alloimmune lymphoid cells on mouse isolated atria

Alloimmunized lymphoid cells exert inotropic effects on isolated mouse atria. We here show that, when thymocytes were assayed on spontaneously beating isolated atria, a negative inotropic effect always appeared. When lymph node or spleen cells were assayed, they led to a biphasic effect: negative or positive inotropic effect, depending on the number of immunizations. Non-immunized lymphoid cells never exerted inotropic effects. Supernatants of alloimmunized cells cocultivated with pieces of atria from the immunizing strain exerted pharmacological effects on atria that mimicked those of whole cells. Inhibitors of lipoxygenase(s) and cyclooxygenase of arachidonic acid metabolism, inhibited the positive and negative inotropic effects, respectively. The specificity of the negative and positive inotropic effects, both in their induction and expression, was linked to the major histocompatibility complex. When T and B cells were purified from lymphoid tissues we found that they were responsible for the negative and positive inotropic effects on atria, respectively. Additionally, supernatants of T cells cultured with alloextracts triggered negative inotropic effects, but those from B cells were inactivated.

The effects of drugs on leucocyte changes following the injection of antigen into the peritoneal cavities of actively sensitised rats

The injection of antigen into the peritoneal cavities of actively sensitised rats produced an immediate reaction characterised by an increase in concentrations in the peritoneal fluids, collected 5 min later, of extravasated dye labelled plasma proteins, histamine and slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A). Changes were also produced in the numbers of leucocytes in the blood and peritoneal cavity. 5 min after antigen challenge there was a reduction in the number of cells that could be washed from the peritoneal cavity. 4 h after antigen there was an increase in numbers of neutrophils both in the blood and peritoneal washings and these fell to the levels in control rats at 24 h. 24 h after antigen, and continuing for 72 h, there was an increase in numbers of eosinophils and mononuclear cells in the peritoneal washings. The rats were injected intravenously with sephadex particles to produce a blood eosinophilia at the time of antigen challenge, this increased the numbers of eosinophils migrating into the peritoneal cavity but had no effect on antibody levels, the numbers of other leucocytes or on the immediate reaction. An inhibitor of lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid, phenidone, at 100 mg/kg p.o., inhibited SRS-A release to control levels, in the immediate reaction, but had no effect on the leucocyte changes. The glucocorticosteroid, dexamethasone, at doses of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg p.o., produced little inhibition of SRS-A release but significantly inhibited neutrophil, eosinophil and mononuclear cell infiltration into the peritoneal cavity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pharmacological alteration of antigen-induced contraction of lung parenchymal strips isolated from the actively sensitized guinea pig

Several drugs, known to influence the action or formation of histamine and SRS-A, were examined for their abilities to alter antigen (ovalbumin)-induced contractions of guinea-pig isolated lung parenchymal strips. Cumulative dose-response effects of ovalbumin were obtained on paired parenchymal strips, one used as control and the other drug treated. When used alone, mepyramine, 10 −6 M, phenoxybenzamine, 3 × 10 −5 M and FPL55712, 10 −5 M, did not alter ovalbumin-induced contractions. 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), 10 −4 M, produced a small (2.5-fold) rightward shift of the dose-response curves to ovalbumin and histamine. Indomethacin, 5 × 10 −6 M, produced a small increase in the maximum response to ovalbumin and a small (2-fold) rightward shift of the histamine dose-response curve. The effect of indomethacin on ovalbumin-induced contraction was not seen in the presence of phenoxybenzamine and may therefore be due to an increase in histamine release. Combination of indomethacin with FPL55712 or ETYA did not alter antigen-induced contractions. The effect of ETYA on the histamine dose-response curve was not seen in the presence of indomethacin. Combination of phenoxybenzamine with FPL55712 or ETYA caused a marked reduction of the maximum contractile response to ovalbumin. The effect of phenoxybenzamine and ETYA was not observed in the presence of indomethacin. The results suggest that the ability of ETYA to reduce antigen responses in the absence or presence of phenoxybenzamine as well as histamine-induced contraction is related to inhibition of contractile product(s) of cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid. Even though substantial antagonism of antigen-induced contractions of guinea-pig parenchymal strips could only be achieved with a combination of drugs, the magnitude of the antagonism was not as large as observed in other pulmonary smooth muscle preparations. This may reflect the existence of other contractile mediators, different interactions between known mediators of immediate hypersensitivity reactions or relative insensitivity of parenchymal strips to effects of the drugs.

Pharmacologic characterization of immune complex induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs.

Intravenous injections of soluble immune complexes to anesthetized guinea pigs resulted in bronchoconstriction that was inhibited by FPL 55712, indomethacin, oxarbazole, soybean trypsin inhibitor, and cobra venom factor. Immune complex induced bronchoconstriction was not inhibited by atropine, imidazole, mepyramine, ketotifen, methysergide, and the anti-anaphylactic compound DPP (Diethyl [2-(4-pyridyl)-4-pyrimidinyl]aminoethylene malonate). Immune complex induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs appears to involve activation of complement and formation of anaphylatoxins. In addition, products of cyclo-oxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid and kinins may be involved.