Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2003. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

<p>Prostaglandin (PG) E₂ is an eicosanoid derived from the polyunsaturated twenty carbon fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA). PGE₂ has physiological as well as pathophysiological functions and is known to be a key mediator of inflammatory responses. Formation of PGE₂ is dependent upon the activities of three specific enzymes involved in the AA cascade; phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂), cyclooxygenase (COX) and PGE synthase (PGEs). Although the research within this field has been intense for decades, the regulatory mechanisms concerning the PGE₂ synthesising enzymes are not completely established.</p><p>PGE₂ was investigated in human monocytes with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pre-treatment followed by stimulation with calcium ionophore, opsonised zymosan or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Cytosolic PLA₂a (cPLA₂a) was shown to be pivotal for the mobilization of AA and subsequent formation of PGE₂. Although COX-1 was constitutively expressed, monocytes required expression of COX-2 protein in order to convert the mobilized AA into PGH₂. The conversion of PGH₂ to the final product PGE₂ was to a large extent due to the action of microsomal PGEs-1 (mPGEs-1). In addition, experiments with inhibitors of extracellular signal regulated kinase and p38 activation, indicated that phosphorylation of cPLA₂α was markedly advantageous for the formation of PGE₂.</p><p>Ellagic acid, a natural polyphenolic compound found in fruits and nuts, was shown to inhibit stimuli induced release of PGE₂ in human monocytes. The effect of ellagic acid was not due to a direct effect on the activities of the enzymes but rather to inhibition of the LPS-induced protein expression of COX-2, mPGEs-1 and cPLA₂a.</p>

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2005. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Prostaglandin (PG) E2 is an eicosanoid derived from the polyunsaturated twenty carbon fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA). PGE2 has physiological as well as pathophysiological functions and is known to be a key mediator of inflammatory responses. Formation of PGE2 is dependent upon the activities of three specific enzymes involved in the AA cascade; phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cyclooxygenase (COX) and PGE synthase (PGEs). Although the research within this field has been intense for decades, the regulatory mechanisms concerning the PGE2 synthesising enzymes are not completely established. PGE2 was investigated in human monocytes with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pre-treatment followed by stimulation with calcium ionophore, opsonised zymosan or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Cytosolic PLA2a (cPLA2a) was shown to be pivotal for the mobilization of AA and subsequent formation of PGE2. Although COX-1 was constitutively expressed, monocytes required expression of COX-2 protein in order to convert the mobilized AA into PGH2. The conversion of PGH2 to the final product PGE2 was to a large extent due to the action of microsomal PGEs-1 (mPGEs-1). In addition, experiments with inhibitors of extracellular signal regulated kinase and p38 activation, indicated that phosphorylation of cPLA2α was markedly advantageous for the formation of PGE2. Ellagic acid, a natural polyphenolic compound found in fruits and nuts, was shown to inhibit stimuli induced release of PGE2 in human monocytes. The effect of ellagic acid was not due to a direct effect on the activities of the enzymes but rather to inhibition of the LPS-induced protein expression of COX-2, mPGEs-1 and cPLA2a.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Linköping : Linköpings universitet, 2005. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a disease of the aorta characterized by pathological remodeling and progressive weakening of the vessel resulting in the increased risk of rupture and sudden death. In a mouse model of the disease induced by chronic Angiotensin II (AngII) infusion, progression of AAAs is associated with reduced differentiation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) at the site of lesion development. In the mouse model, the effectiveness of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition for attenuating AAA progression is associated with maintenance of a differentiated SMC phenotype. However, the safety of COX-2 inhibitors is currently in question due to the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Thus, it is crucial to identify mediators downstream of COX-2 that may provide new targets for treatment of this disease. Recent studies in humans and mouse models have suggested that the microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES-1) enzyme, which acts downstream of COX-2, may also be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. We hypothesized that increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis resulting from the induction of both COX-2 and mPGES-1 may result in reduced differentiation of SMCs, and that disruption of this pathway would preserve the differentiated phenotype. To test this hypothesis, human aortic smooth muscle cells (hASMCs) were utilized to examine the effects of a variety of agents involved in AAA development and the COX-2 pathway. My findings suggest that one of the effects of exposing hASMCs to AngII involves a specific induction of mPGES-1 expression. Furthermore, although different COX-2-derived products may have opposing effects, mPGES-1-derived PGE2 may be the primary prostanoid synthesized by SMCs which functions to attenuate differentiation. Therefore, mPGES-1 inhibition may provide inhibition of PGE2 that is more specific than COX-2 inhibitor treatment and may serve as a therapeutic target for attenuating AAA progression by maintaining a differentiated SMC phenotype.

Endogenous brain compounds and xenobiotics, including the neurotoxins such as the amphetamine analogs 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA,Ecstasy), methamphetamine (METH, Speed) and methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA, active metabolite of MDMA), may be bioactivated by prostaglandin H synthase (PHS) to free radicals that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the absence of adequate antioxidant or repair mechanisms, ROS oxidize macromolecules such as DNA, protein and lipids, which can lead to toxicity. In vitro, we evaluated bioactivation using both purified ovine PHS-1 and cultured cells stably overexpressing either human PHS-1 or hPHS-2 isozymes. We found the neurotransmitter dopamine, its precursors and some metabolites, as well as METH and MDA, can be bioactivated by ovine and/or human PHS in an isozyme-dependent fashion that generates ROS, which oxidize DNA and protein and increase toxicity. This process is blocked by both the PHS inhibitor acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and the ROS detoxifying enzyme catalase. Our data are the first to reveal isozyme-dependent bioactivation by PHS as a potential mechanism for enhanced susceptibility to both exogenous and endogenous neurotoxins, the latter of which may be particularly important in aging. METH-initiated ROS can also activate redox-sensitive transcription factors such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is involved in the induction of an array of protective mechanisms in both adult and fetal brain. Using Nrf2 knockout mice, we showed Nrf2 has a novel neuroprotective role in METH-initiated oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and functional deficits in both fetal development and adulthood, especially with multiple exposures allowing time for the induction of neuroprotective mechanisms. Our studies are the first to show that Nrf2 afforded protection against both motor coordination deficits and olfactory deficits caused by METH in utero and in adults, suggesting that deficiencies in Nrf2 activation constitute a risk factor for ROS-mediated neurotoxicity in the fetus and adult.

Endogenous brain compounds and xenobiotics, including the neurotoxins such as the amphetamine analogs 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA,Ecstasy), methamphetamine (METH, Speed) and methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA, active metabolite of MDMA), may be bioactivated by prostaglandin H synthase (PHS) to free radicals that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the absence of adequate antioxidant or repair mechanisms, ROS oxidize macromolecules such as DNA, protein and lipids, which can lead to toxicity. In vitro, we evaluated bioactivation using both purified ovine PHS-1 and cultured cells stably overexpressing either human PHS-1 or hPHS-2 isozymes. We found the neurotransmitter dopamine, its precursors and some metabolites, as well as METH and MDA, can be bioactivated by ovine and/or human PHS in an isozyme-dependent fashion that generates ROS, which oxidize DNA and protein and increase toxicity. This process is blocked by both the PHS inhibitor acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and the ROS detoxifying enzyme catalase. Our data are the first to reveal isozyme-dependent bioactivation by PHS as a potential mechanism for enhanced susceptibility to both exogenous and endogenous neurotoxins, the latter of which may be particularly important in aging. METH-initiated ROS can also activate redox-sensitive transcription factors such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is involved in the induction of an array of protective mechanisms in both adult and fetal brain. Using Nrf2 knockout mice, we showed Nrf2 has a novel neuroprotective role in METH-initiated oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and functional deficits in both fetal development and adulthood, especially with multiple exposures allowing time for the induction of neuroprotective mechanisms. Our studies are the first to show that Nrf2 afforded protection against both motor coordination deficits and olfactory deficits caused by METH in utero and in adults, suggesting that deficiencies in Nrf2 activation constitute a risk factor for ROS-mediated neurotoxicity in the fetus and adult.

7,8-Linoleate diol synthase (7,8-LDS) of the take-all pathogen of wheat, Gaeumannomyces graminis, converts linoleic acid to 8R-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (8-HPODE) by 8-dioxygenase activity (8-DOX), and further isomerizes the hydroperoxide to 7S,8S-dihydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (7,8-DiHODE) by hydroperoxide isomerase activity. Sequence alignment showed homology to prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS), and both enzymes share structural and catalytic properties. The 8-DOX of 7,8-LDS was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris and in insect cells (Sf21). Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed His379 as the proximal heme ligand and Tyr376 as a residue, which forms a tyrosyl radical and initiates catalysis. Furthermore, mutagenesis suggested His203 could be the proposed distal histidine, and Tyr329 of catalytic relevance for substrate positioning at the active site. Aspergilli are ubiquitous environmental fungi. Some species, in particular Aspergillus fumigatus, are responsible for invasive aspergillosis, which is a life-threatening disease for immunocompromised patients. A. fumigatus and A. nidulans metabolized linoleic acid to 8R-HPODE, 10R-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (10R-HPODE), 5S,8R-dihydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, and 8R,11S-dihydroxyoctadecadienoic acid. When the genomes of certain Aspergilli strains were published, several species showed at least three homologous genes (ppoA, ppoB, ppoC- psi producing oxygenases) to 7,8-LDS and PGHS. Gene deletion identified PpoA as an enzyme with 8-DOX and 5,8-hydroperoxide isomerase activities, designated 5,8-LDS in homology to 7,8-LDS. In the same way, PpoC was identified as a 10-dioxygenase (10-DOX), which converts linoleic acid to 10R-HPODE. 10-DOX differs from LDS, since it dioxygenates linoleic acid at C-10, after hydrogen abstraction at C-8 and double bond migration. 10-DOX was cloned and expressed in insect cells. Leu384 and Val388 were found to be critical for dioxygenation at C-10. Mutation to the homologous residues of 5,8- and 7,8-LDS (Leu384Val, Val388Leu) increased oxygen insertion at C-8. LDS and 10-DOX are fusion proteins with a dioxygenase and a hydroperoxide isomerase (cytochrome P450) domain with a cysteine heme ligand. The P450 domain of 10-DOX lacked the crucial cysteine heme ligand and was without hydroperoxide isomerase activity. LDSs and 10-DOX are newly characterized heme containing fungal dioxygenases, with homology to PGHS of vertebrates. Their metabolites regulate reproduction, development, and act as signal molecules with the host after pathogen attack.

Les statines sont des molécules hypocholestérolémiantes, inhibiteurs compétitifs de l'hydroxyméthylglutaryl-CoA réductase, possédant des propriétés anti-inflammatoires et anti-oxydantes dépendantes et indépendantes de leur capacité à réduire le cholestérol. L'hème-oxygénase-1, une enzyme responsable du catabolisme de l'hème participe à la résolution de l'inflammation, notamment via ses propriétés anti-oxydantes. Le système enzymatique cyclooxygénase-2/prostaglandine synthase-1 microsomale catalyse la transformation de l'acide arachidonique en prostaglandine E2, médiateur biologique important dans la régulation de l'hémostase des vaisseaux, la croissance cellulaire, l'inflammation et la douleur. La cyclooxygenase-2 et l'heme-oxygenase-1 étant des cibles des statines, et jouant un rôle majeur dans l'inflammation et la fibrose, le but de ce travail a été d'élucider les mécanismes moléculaires impliqués dans la régulation de l'expression de ces enzymes par les statines dans les macrophages et les fibroblastes. Dans les fibroblastes, nous avons démontré que l'induction de l'hème-oxygénase-1 par deux statines différentes, la simvastatine et la fluvastatine, est dépendante de la voie du mévalonate et de la géranygéranylation des protéines. Nous avons pu également démontrer le rôle des facteurs de transcription CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta et gamma et upstream stimulatory factor 1 ou 2 dans cette induction, en utilisant des ARN interférants. Dans les macrophages, nous avons mis en évidence que les statines induisent l'hème-oxygénase-1 par un mécanisme dépendant du monoxyde d'azote. La petite protéine G Rho A/C semble être impliquée dans cette régulation ainsi que le facteur de transcription CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta. Finalement, nous avons analysé le rôle des statines dans la régulation des cyclooxygénase-2 et la prostaglandine synthase-1 microsomale dans des myofibroblastes hépatiques humains. Nous avons mis en évidence que les statines induisent l'expression de ces deux enzymes, par un mécanisme impliquant la voie de la Rho A/C. La conséquence de cette activation est une libération de la prostaglandine E2 qui inhibe la prolifération des myofibroblastes hépatiques. Au niveau transcriptionnel, l'élément de réponse nuclear factor-kappa B et cAMP response element/E box régions ainsi que GATA les régions riches en GC participent à la régulation des promoteurs de la cyclooxygénase-2 et de la prostaglandine synthase-1 microsomale, respectivement. En resumé, nos travaux confirment que les statines jouent un rôle protecteur dans les macrophages et les fibroblastes en induisant hème-oxygénase-1, la cyclooxygénase-2 et la prostaglandine synthase-1 microsomale, des enzymes qui jouent un rôle majeur dans le contrôle de l'inflammation et la fibrose. / Statins are selective competitive inhibitors of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase administered for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. These molecules have multiple pleiotropic effects in addition to lowering cholesterol such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Heme-oxygenase-1 is responsible for the catabolism of heme and has important anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Cylooxygenase-2, along with microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1, metabolizes arachidonic acid into prostaglandin E2, a biological mediator with important effects on vascular tone, cell growth, inflammation and pain. Because cyclooxygenase-2 and heme-oxygenase-1 are targets for statins and play a key role in inflammation and fibrosis, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of these enzymes by statins in macrophages and fibroblasts.In fibroblasts, simvastatin and fluvastatin induced HO-1 expression in a mevalonate and geranylgeranylated-dependent manner. We further demonstrated a role of the transcription factors CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta and gamma and upstream stimulatory factor 1 or 2 in statin-dependent induction of heme-oxygenase-1 using small interfering RNA and dominant-negative constructs.In macrophages, we showed that statins i- increase the level of expression of heme-oxygenase-1 and ii- nitric oxide can play a role in statin-dependent induction of heme-oxygenase-1 , iii- RhoA/C is one of the target of statins, iv- the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta is involved in the regulation of heme-oxygenase-1 by statins.Finally, since cyclooxygenase-2 and heme-oxygenase-1 play a role in fibrosis and inflammation, we analyzed the effect of statins in human hepatic myofibroblasts, the fibrogenic cells of the liver. Statins significantly upregulated cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 and inhibited cell proliferation in a PGE2-dependent manner via inhibition of RhoA/C activity. Further analysis of the transcription factors involved showed a role for nuclear factor kappa B and cAMP response element/Ebox regions of cyclooxygenase-2 promoter and GATA and GC rich box regions for microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1.Overall, our thesis results highlight the molecular mechanisms of statin-dependent regulation of two important enzymes in inflammation and fibrosis, in macrophages and fibroblasts. They confirm that some of the protective effects of statins go through the upregulation of heme-oxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1.