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15 Publications visible to you, out of a total of 15
Androgen-mediated sex bias impairs efficiency of leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors in males.

Abstract (Expand)

Proinflammatory leukotrienes (LTs) are produced by 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) aided by 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP). LT biosynthesis inhibitors are currently under clinical investigation as treatments for … respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Here, we have revealed a sex bias in the efficiency of clinically relevant LT biosynthesis inhibitors, showing that their effects are superior in females. We found that androgens cause these sex differences by impeding the LT-biosynthetic 5-LO/FLAP complex assembly. Lower doses of the FLAP inhibitor MK886 were required to reduce LTB4 levels in exudates of female versus male mice and rats. Following platelet-activating factor-induced shock, MK886 increased survival exclusively in female mice, and this effect was abolished by testosterone administration. FLAP inhibitors and the novel-type 5-LO inhibitors licofelone and sulindac sulfide exhibited higher potencies in human blood from females, and bioactive 5-LO/FLAP complexes were formed in female, but not male, human and murine leukocytes. Supplementation of female blood or leukocytes with 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone abolished the observed sex differences. Our data suggest that females may benefit from anti-LT therapy to a greater extent than males, prompting consideration of sex issues in LT modifier development.

Authors: S. Pace, C. Pergola, F. Dehm, A. Rossi, J. Gerstmeier, F. Troisi, H. Pein, A. M. Schaible, C. Weinigel, S. Rummler, H. Northoff, S. Laufer, T. J. Maier, O. Radmark, B. Samuelsson, A. Koeberle, L. Sautebin, O. Werz

Date Published: 25th Jul 2017

Publication Type: Not specified

Sex differences in prostaglandin biosynthesis in neutrophils during acute inflammation.

Abstract (Expand)

The severity and course of inflammatory processes differ between women and men, but the biochemical mechanisms underlying these sex differences are elusive. Prostaglandins (PG) and leukotrienes (LT) … are lipid mediators linked to inflammation. We demonstrated superior LT biosynthesis in human neutrophils and monocytes, and in mouse macrophages from females, and we confirmed these sex differences in vivo where female mice produced more LTs during zymosan-induced peritonitis versus males. Here, we report sex differences in PG production in neutrophils during acute inflammation. In the late phase (4-8 hrs) of mouse zymosan-induced peritonitis and rat carrageenan-induced pleurisy, PG levels in males were higher versus females, seemingly due to higher PG production in infiltrated neutrophils. Accordingly, human neutrophils from males produced more PGE2 than cells from females. Increased PG biosynthesis in males was accompanied by elevated cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression connected to increased nuclear factor-kappa B activation, and was abolished when LT synthesis was pharmacologically blocked, suggesting that elevated PG production in males might be caused by increased COX-2 expression and by shunting phenomena due to suppressed LT formation. Conclusively, our data reveal that the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory PGs and LTs is conversely regulated by sex with consequences for the inflammatory response.

Authors: S. Pace, A. Rossi, V. Krauth, F. Dehm, F. Troisi, R. Bilancia, C. Weinigel, S. Rummler, O. Werz, L. Sautebin

Date Published: 21st Jun 2017

Publication Type: Not specified

Evaluation of Dual 5-Lipoxygenase/Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase-1 Inhibitory Effect of Natural and Synthetic Acronychia-Type Isoprenylated Acetophenones

Abstract (Expand)

Among the pathways responsible for the development of inflammatory responses, the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways are among the most important ones. Two key enzymes, namely, 5-LO and mPGES-1, … are involved in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes and prostaglandins, respectively, which are considered attractive therapeutic targets, so their dual inhibition might be an effective strategy to control inflammatory deregulation. Several natural products have been identified as 5-LO inhibitors, with some also being dual 5-LO/mPGES-1 inhibitors. Here, some prenylated acetophenone dimers from Acronychia pedunculata have been identified for their dual inhibitory potency toward 5-LO and mPGES-1. To gain insight into the SAR of this family of natural products, the synthesis and biological evaluation of analogues are presented. The results show the ability of the natural and synthetic molecules to potently inhibit 5-LO and mPEGS-1 in vitro. The potency of the most active compound (10) has been evaluated in vivo in an acute inflammatory mouse model and displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity comparable in potency to the drug zileuton used as a positive control.

Authors: A. Svouraki, U. Garscha, E. Kouloura, S. Pace, C. Pergola, V. Krauth, A. Rossi, L. Sautebin, M. Halabalaki, O. Werz, N. Gaboriaud-Kolar, A. L. Skaltsounis

Date Published: 28th Feb 2017

Publication Type: Not specified

Selective upregulation of TNFalpha expression in classically-activated human monocyte-derived macrophages (M1) through pharmacological interference with V-ATPase.

Abstract (Expand)

Pharmacological interference with vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase), a proton-translocating enzyme involved in protein transport and pH regulation of cell organelles, is considered a potential … strategy for cancer therapy. Macrophages are critically involved in tumor progression and may occur as pro-tumoral M2 phenotype, whereas classically-activated M1 can inhibit tumor development for example by releasing tumor-suppressing molecules, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha. Here, we show that targeting V-ATPase by selective inhibitors such as archazolid upregulates the expression and secretion of TNFalpha in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or LPS/interferon (INF)gamma-activated M1-like macrophages derived from human blood monocytes. In contrast, archazolid failed to elevate TNFalpha production from uncommitted (M0) or interleukin (IL)-4-treated M2-like macrophages. Secretion of other relevant cytokines (i.e., IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10) or chemokines (i.e. IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1) from M1 was not affected by archazolid. Though V-ATPase inhibitors elevated the lysosomal pH in M1 comparable to chloroquine or ammonium chloride, the latter agents suppressed TNFalpha secretion. Archazolid selectively increased TNFalpha mRNA levels, which was abolished by dexamethasone. Interestingly, archazolid enhanced the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NFkappaB and stimulated phosphorylation of SAPK/JNK. In a microfluidically-supported human tumor biochip model, archazolid-treated M1 significantly reduced tumor cell viability. Together, our data show that V-ATPase inhibition selectively upregulates TNFalpha production in classically-activated macrophages along with NFkappaB and SAPK/JNK activation. Such increased TNFalpha release caused by V-ATPase inhibitors may contribute to tumor suppression in addition to direct targeting cancer cells.

Authors: L. Thomas, Z. Rao, J. Gerstmeier, M. Raasch, C. Weinigel, S. Rummler, D. Menche, R. Muller, C. Pergola, A. Mosig, O. Werz

Date Published: 13th Feb 2017

Publication Type: Not specified

Modulation of actin dynamics as potential macrophage subtype-targeting anti-tumour strategy

Abstract (Expand)

Tumour-associated macrophages mainly comprise immunosuppressive M2 phenotypes that promote tumour progression besides anti-tumoural M1 subsets. Selective depletion or reprogramming of M2 may represent … an innovative anti-cancer strategy. The actin cytoskeleton is central for cellular homeostasis and is targeted for anti-cancer chemotherapy. Here, we show that targeting G-actin nucleation using chondramide A (ChA) predominantly depletes human M2 while promoting the tumour-suppressive M1 phenotype. ChA reduced the viability of M2, with minor effects on M1, but increased tumour necrosis factor (TNF)alpha release from M1. Interestingly, ChA caused rapid disruption of dynamic F-actin filaments and polymerization of G-actin, followed by reduction of cell size, binucleation and cell division, without cellular collapse. In M1, but not in M2, ChA caused marked activation of SAPK/JNK and NFkappaB, with slight or no effects on Akt, STAT-1/-3, ERK-1/2, and p38 MAPK, seemingly accounting for the better survival of M1 and TNFalpha secretion. In a microfluidically-supported human tumour biochip model, circulating ChA-treated M1 markedly reduced tumour cell viability through enhanced release of TNFalpha. Together, ChA may cause an anti-tumoural microenvironment by depletion of M2 and activation of M1, suggesting induction of G-actin nucleation as potential strategy to target tumour-associated macrophages in addition to neoplastic cells.

Authors: C. Pergola, K. Schubert, S. Pace, J. Ziereisen, F. Nikels, O. Scherer, S. Huttel, S. Zahler, A. M. Vollmar, C. Weinigel, S. Rummler, R. Muller, M. Raasch, A. Mosig, A. Koeberle, O. Werz

Date Published: 31st Jan 2017

Publication Type: Not specified

Myxochelin-Inspired 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitors: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation

Abstract (Expand)

A total of 48 analogues of the natural product myxochelin A were prepared and evaluated for their inhibitory effects on human 5-lipoxygenase in both cell-free and cell-based assays. Structure-activity … relationship analysis revealed that the secondary alcohol function and only chiral center of myxochelin A is not required for biological activity. By expanding the diaminoalkane linker of the two aromatic residues it was possible to generate a myxochelin derivative with superior activity against 5-lipoxygenase in intact cells.

Authors: S. Schieferdecker, S. Konig, S. Pace, O. Werz, M. Nett

Date Published: 23rd Nov 2016

Publication Type: Not specified

Development of smart cell-free and cell-based assay systems for investigation of leukotriene C4 synthase activity and evaluation of inhibitors.

Abstract (Expand)

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys-LTs) cause bronchoconstriction in anaphylaxis and asthma. They are formed by 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) from arachidonic acid (AA) yielding the unstable leukotriene A4 (LTA4) … that is subsequently conjugated with glutathione (GSH) by LTC4 synthase (LTC4S). Cys-LT receptor antagonists and LTC4S inhibitors have been developed, but only the former have reached the market. High structural homology to related enzymes and lack of convenient test systems due to instability of added LTA4 have hampered the development of LTC4S inhibitors. We present smart cell-free and cell-based assay systems based on in situ-generated LTA4 that allow studying LTC4S activity and investigating LTC4S inhibitors. Co-incubations of microsomes from HEK293 cells expressing LTC4S with isolated 5-LOX efficiently converted exogenous AA to LTC4 (~1.3mug/200mug protein). Stimulation of HEK293 cells co-expressing 5-LOX and LTC4S with Ca2+-ionophore A23187 and 20muM AA resulted in strong LTC4 formation (~250ng/106 cells). MK-886, a well-known 5-LOX activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor that also acts on LTC4S, consistently inhibited LTC4 formation in all assay types (IC50=3.1-3.5muM) and we successfully confirmed TK04a as potent LTC4S inhibitor in these assay systems (IC50=17 and 300nM, respectively). We demonstrated transcellular LTC4 biosynthesis between neutrophils or 5-LOX-expressing HEK293 cells that produce LTA4 from AA and HEK293 cells expressing LTC4S that transform LTA4 to LTC4. In conclusion, our assay approaches are advantageous as the substrate LTA4 is generated in situ and are suitable for studying enzymatic functionality of LTC4S including site-directed mutations and evaluation of LTC4S inhibitors.

Authors: S. Liening, G. K. Scriba, S. Rummler, C. Weinigel, T. K. Kleinschmidt, J. Z. Haeggstrom, O. Werz, U. Garscha

Date Published: 2nd Aug 2016

Publication Type: Not specified

Humudifucol and Bioactive Prenylated Polyphenols from Hops (Humulus lupulus cv. "Cascade")

Abstract (Expand)

Humulus lupulus (hop plant) has long been used in traditional medicine as a sedative and antimicrobial agent. More recently, attention has been devoted to the phytoestrogenic activity of the plant … extracts as well as to the anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive properties of the prenylated chalcones present. In this study, an Italian sample of H. lupulus cv. "Cascade" has been investigated and three new compounds [4-hydroxycolupulone (6), humudifucol (7) and cascadone (8)] have been purified and identified by means of NMR spectroscopy along with four known metabolites. Notably, humudifucol (7) is the first prenylated dimeric phlorotannin discovered in nature. Because structurally related phloroglucinols from natural sources were found previously to inhibit microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES)-1 and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), the isolated compounds were evaluated for their bioactivity against these pro-inflammatory target proteins. The prenylated chalcone xanthohumol inhibited both enzymes at low muM concentrations.

Authors: M. Forino, , G. Chianese, L. Santagostini, , C. Weinigel, S. Rummler, G. Fico, , O. Taglialatela-Scafati

Date Published: 27th Feb 2016

Publication Type: Not specified

The hallucinogenic diterpene salvinorin A inhibits leukotriene synthesis in experimental models of inflammation

Abstract (Expand)

Leukotrienes (LTs) are lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid (AA) involved in a number of autoimmune/inflammatory disorders including asthma, allergic rhinitis and cardiovascular diseases. … Salvinorin A (SA), a diterpene isolated from the hallucinogenic plant Salvia divinorum, is a well-established analgesic compound, but its anti-inflammatory properties are under-researched and its effects on LT production is unknown to date. Here, we studied the possible effect of SA on LT production and verified its actions on experimental models of inflammation in which LTs play a prominent role. Peritoneal macrophages (PM) stimulated by calcium ionophore A23187 were chosen as in vitro system to evaluate the effect of SA on LT production. Zymosan-induced peritonitis in mice and carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats were selected as LT-related models to evaluate the effect of SA on inflammation as well as on LT biosynthesis. SA inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, A23187-induced LTB4 biosynthesis in isolated PM. In zymosan-induced peritonitis, SA inhibited cell infiltration, myeloperoxidase activity, vascular permeability and LTC4 production in the peritoneal cavity without decreasing the production of prostaglandin E2. In carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats, a more sophisticated model of acute inflammation related to LTs, SA significantly inhibited LTB4 production in the inflammatory exudates, along with reducing the phlogistic process in the lung. In conclusion, SA inhibited LT production and it was effective in experimental models of inflammation in which LTs play a pivotal role. SA might be considered as a lead compound for the development of drugs useful in LTs-related diseases.

Authors: A. Rossi, , F. Tedesco, E. Pagano, G. Guerra, F. Troisi, , F. Roviezzo, J. K. Zjawiony, , A. A. Izzo, R. Capasso

Date Published: 10th Feb 2016

Publication Type: Not specified

5-Lipoxygenase-activating protein rescues activity of 5-lipoxygenase mutations that delay nuclear membrane association and disrupt product formation

Abstract (Expand)

Leukotrienes (LTs) are proinflammatory lipid mediators formed from arachidonic acid in a 2-step reaction catalyzed by 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) requiring the formation of 5-HPETE (5(S)-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic … acid) and its subsequent transformation to LTA4. 5-LOX is thought to receive arachidonic acid from the nuclear membrane-embedded 5-LOX-activating protein (FLAP). The crystal structure of 5-LOX revealed an active site concealed by F177 and Y181 (FY cork). We examined the influence of the FY cork on 5-LOX activity and membrane binding in HEK293 cells in the absence and presence of FLAP. Uncapping the 5-LOX active site by mutation of F177 and/or Y181 to alanine (5-LOX-F177A, 5-LOX-Y181A, 5-LOX-F177/Y181A) resulted in delayed and diminished 5-LOX membrane association in A23187-stimulated cells. For 5-LOX-F177A and 5-LOX-F177/Y181A, formation of 5-LOX products was dramatically reduced relative to 5-LOX-wild type (wt). Strikingly, coexpression of FLAP in A23187-activated HEK293 cells effectively restored formation of 5-H(p)ETE (5-hydro(pero)xy-6-trans-8,11,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid) by these same 5-LOX mutants ( approximately 60-70% 5-LOX-wt levels) but not of LTA4 hydrolysis products. Yet 5-LOX-Y181A generated 5-H(p)ETE at levels comparable to 5-LOX-wt but reduced LTA4 hydrolysis products. Coexpression of FLAP partially restored LTA4 hydrolysis product formation by 5-LOX-Y181A. Together, the data suggest that the concealed FY cork impacts membrane association and that FLAP may help shield an uncapped active site.-Gerstmeier, J., Newcomer, M. E., Dennhardt, S., Romp, E., Fischer, J., Werz, O., Garscha, U. 5-Lipoxygenase-activating protein rescues activity of 5-lipoxygenase mutations that delay nuclear membrane association and disrupt product formation.

Authors: J. Gerstmeier, M. E. Newcomer, S. Dennhardt, E. Romp, J. Fischer, , U. Garscha

Date Published: 5th Feb 2016

Publication Type: Not specified

Harnessing Enzymatic Promiscuity in Myxochelin Biosynthesis for the Production of 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitors

Abstract (Expand)

The siderophore myxochelin A is a potent inhibitor of human 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). To clarify whether the iron-chelating properties of myxochelin A are responsible for this activity, several analogues … of this compound were generated in the native producer Pyxidicoccus fallax by precursor-directed biosynthesis. Testing in a cell-free assay unveiled three derivatives with bioactivity comparable with that of myxochelin A. Furthermore, it became evident that inhibition of 5-LO by myxochelins does not correlate with their iron affinities.

Authors: J. Korp, S. Konig, S. Schieferdecker, H. M. Dahse, G. M. Konig, ,

Date Published: 13th Oct 2015

Publication Type: Not specified

Time-resolved in situ assembly of the leukotriene-synthetic 5-lipoxygenase/5-lipoxygenase-activating protein complex in blood leukocytes

Abstract (Expand)

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) catalyzes the initial steps in the biosynthesis of proinflammatory leukotrienes. Upon cell activation, 5-LO translocates to the nuclear membrane where arachidonic acid is transferred … by 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP) to 5-LO for metabolism. Although previous data indicate association of 5-LO with FLAP, the in situ assembly of native 5-LO/FLAP complexes remains elusive. Here, we show time-resolved 5-LO/FLAP colocalization by immunofluorescence microscopy and in situ 5-LO/FLAP interaction by proximity ligation assay at the nuclear membrane of Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187-activated human monocytes and neutrophils in relation to 5-LO activity. Although 5-LO translocation and product formation is completed within 1.5-3 min, 5-LO/FLAP interaction is delayed and proceeds up to 30 min. Though monocytes and neutrophils contain comparable amounts of 5-LO protein, neutrophils produce 3-5 times higher levels of 5-LO products due to prolonged activity, accompanied by delayed 5-LO nuclear membrane translocation. Arachidonic acid seemingly acts as adaptor for 5-LO/FLAP assembly, whereas FLAP inhibitors (MK886, 100 nM; BAY X 1005, 3 microM) disrupt the complex. We conclude that FLAP may regulate 5-LO activity in 2 ways: first by inducing an initial flexible association for efficient 5-LO product synthesis, followed by the formation of a tight 5-LO/FLAP complex that terminates 5-LO activity.-Gerstmeier, J., Weinigel, C., Rummler, S., Radmark, O., Werz, O., Garscha, U. Time-resolved in situ assembly of the leukotriene-synthetic 5-lipoxygenase/5-lipoxygenase-activating protein complex in blood leukocytes.

Authors: J. Gerstmeier, C. Weinigel, S. Rummler, O. Radmark, , U. Garscha

Date Published: 22nd Sep 2015

Publication Type: Not specified

Myxochelins target human 5-lipoxygenase

Abstract (Expand)

Extracts of the predatory myxobacterium Pyxidicoccus fallax HKI 727 showed antiproliferative effects on leukemic K-562 cells. Bioactivity-guided fractionation led to the isolation of the bis-catechol … myxochelin A and two new congeners. The biosynthetic origin of myxochelins C and D was confirmed by feeding studies with isotopically labeled precursors. Pharmacological testing revealed human 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) as a molecular target of the myxochelins. In particular, myxochelin A efficiently inhibited 5-LO activity with an IC50 of 1.9 muM and reduced the proliferation of K-562 cells at similar concentrations.

Authors: S. Schieferdecker, S. Konig, , H. M. Dahse, ,

Date Published: 16th Feb 2015

Publication Type: Not specified

Human macrophages differentially produce specific resolvin or leukotriene signals that depend on bacterial pathogenicity.

Abstract (Expand)

Proinflammatory eicosanoids (prostaglandins and leukotrienes) and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) are temporally regulated during infections. Here we show that human macrophage phenotypes … biosynthesize unique lipid mediator signatures when exposed to pathogenic bacteria. E. coli and S. aureus each stimulate predominantly proinflammatory 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase pathways (i.e., leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2) in M1 macrophages. These pathogens stimulate M2 macrophages to produce SPMs including resolvin D2 (RvD2), RvD5, and maresin-1. E. coli activates M2 macrophages to translocate 5-LOX and 15-LOX-1 to different subcellular locales in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Neither attenuated nor non-pathogenic E. coli mobilize Ca(2+) or activate LOXs, rather these bacteria stimulate prostaglandin production. RvD5 is more potent than leukotriene B4 at enhancing macrophage phagocytosis. These results indicate that M1 and M2 macrophages respond to pathogenic bacteria differently, producing either leukotrienes or resolvins that further distinguish inflammatory or pro-resolving phenotypes.

Authors: O. Werz, J. Gerstmeier, S. Libreros, X. De la Rosa, M. Werner, P. C. Norris, N. Chiang, C. N. Serhan

Date Published: No date defined

Publication Type: Not specified

Algal Oxylipins Mediate the Resistance of Diatoms against Algicidal Bacteria.

Abstract (Expand)

Algicidal bacteria can lyse microalgal blooms and trigger shifts within plankton communities. Resistant algal species can escape lysis, and have the opportunity to dominate the phytoplankton after a … bacterial infection. Despite their important function in ecosystem regulation, little is known about mechanisms of resistance. Here, we show that the diatom Chaetoceros didymus releases eicosanoid oxylipins into the medium, and that the lytic algicidal bacterium, Kordia algicida, induces the production of several wound-activated oxylipins in this resistant diatom. Neither releases nor an induction occurs in the susceptible diatom Skeletonema costatum that is lysed by the bacterium within a few days. Among the upregulated oxylipins, hydroxylated eicosapentaenoic acids (HEPEs) dominate. However, also, resolvins, known lipid mediators in mammals, increase upon exposure of the algae to the algicidal bacteria. The prevailing hydroxylated fatty acid, 15-HEPE, significantly inhibits growth of K. algicida at a concentration of approximately 1 microM. The oxylipin production may represent an independent line of defense of the resistant alga, acting in addition to the previously reported upregulation of proteases.

Authors: N. Meyer, J. Rettner, M. Werner, O. Werz, G. Pohnert

Date Published: No date defined

Publication Type: Not specified

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