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

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 (~1.3µg/200µg protein). Stimulation of HEK293 cells co-expressing 5-LOX and LTC4S with Ca2+-ionophore A23187 and 20µM 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=3.1-3.5µM) 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.

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

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 µM) 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.

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

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 µM concentrations.

An experimental cell-based model for studying the cell biology and molecular pharmacology of 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein in leukotriene biosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: Subcellular distribution of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) to the perinuclear region and interaction with the 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP) are assumed as key steps in leukotriene biosynthesis and are prone to FLAP antagonists. METHODS: FLAP and/or 5-LO were stably expressed in HEK293 cells, 5-LO products were analyzed by HPLC, and 5-LO and FLAP subcellular localization was visualized by immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: 5-LO and FLAP were stably expressed in HEK293 cells, and upon Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187 stimulation exogenous AA was efficiently transformed into the 5-LO products 5-hydro(pero)xyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-H(p)ETE) and the trans-isomers of LTB4. A23187 stimulation caused 5-LO accumulation at the nuclear membrane only when FLAP was co-expressed. Unexpectedly, A23187 stimulation of HEK cells expressing 5-LO and FLAP without exogenous AA failed in 5-LO product synthesis. HEK cells liberated AA in response to A23187, and transfected HEK cells expressing 12-LO generated 12-HETE after A23187 challenge from endogenous AA. FLAP co-expression increased 5-LO product formation in A23187-stimulated cells at low AA concentrations. Only in cells expressing FLAP and 5-LO, the FLAP antagonist MK886 blocked FLAP-mediated increase in 5-LO product formation, and prevented 5-LO nuclear membrane translocation and co-localization with FLAP. CONCLUSION: The cellular biosynthesis of 5-LO products from endogenously derived substrate requires not only functional 5-LO/FLAP co-localization but also additional prerequisites which are dispensable when exogenous AA is supplied; identification of these determinants is challenging. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: We present a cell model to study the role of FLAP as 5-LO interacting protein in LT biosynthesis in intact cells and for characterization of putative FLAP antagonists.

Testosterone suppresses phospholipase D, causing sex differences in leukotriene biosynthesis in human monocytes.

Sex disparities in inflammation have been reported, but the cellular and molecular basis for these discrepancies is unknown. Monocytes are central effector cells in immunity and possess high capacities to produce proinflammatory leukotrienes (LTs). Here, we investigated sex differences in the activation of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), the key enzyme in LT biosynthesis, in human peripheral monocytes. In cells from females, 5-LO product formation was 1.8-fold higher than in cells from males, as evaluated by HPLC. When female monocytes were resuspended in plasma from males, 5-LO products were significantly lower than in female plasma. Interestingly, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT, 10 nM) repressed LT synthesis in female cells down to the levels observed in males, while estradiol (100 nM) was without effect, and progesterone (100 nM) caused only a slight inhibition. 5α-DHT (10 nM) caused ERK phosphorylation and inhibition of phospholipase D (PLD), as evaluated by Western blot and measurement of PLD activity via radioenzymatic diacylglyceride (DAG) and nonradioactive choline assays. Accordingly, PLD activity and DAG formation were 1.4- to 1.8-fold lower in male vs. female monocytes connected to increased ERK phosphorylation. Our data indicate that ERK activation by androgens in monocytes represses PLD activity, resulting in impaired 5-LO product formation due to lack of activating DAGs.

Identification of novel benzimidazole derivatives as inhibitors of leukotriene biosynthesis by virtual screening targeting 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP).

Pharmacological suppression of leukotriene biosynthesis by 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO)-activating protein (FLAP) inhibitors is a promising strategy to intervene with inflammatory, allergic and cardiovascular diseases. Virtual screening targeting FLAP based on a combined ligand- and structure-based pharmacophore model led to the identification of 1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-2-(1-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethyl)-1H-benzimidazole (7) as developable candidate. Compound 7 potently suppressed leukotriene formation in intact neutrophils (IC(50)=0.31 µM) but essentially failed to directly inhibit 5-LO suggesting that interaction with FLAP causes inhibition of leukotriene synthesis. For structural optimization, a series of 46 benzimidazole-based derivatives of 7 were synthesized leading to more potent analogues (70-72, 82) with IC(50)=0.12-0.19 µM in intact neutrophils. Together, our results disclose the benzimidazole scaffold bearing an ibuprofen fingerprint as a new chemotype for further development of anti-leukotriene agents.

From Vietnamese plants to a biflavonoid that relieves inflammation by triggering the lipid mediator class switch to resolution.

Chronic inflammation results from excessive pro-inflammatory signaling and the failure to resolve the inflammatory reaction. Lipid mediators orchestrate both the initiation and resolution of inflammation. Switching from pro-inflammatory to pro-resolving lipid mediator biosynthesis is considered as efficient strategy to relieve chronic inflammation, though drug candidates exhibiting such features are unknown. Starting from a library of Vietnamese medical plant extracts, we identified isomers of the biflavanoid 8-methylsocotrin-4'-ol from Dracaena cambodiana, which limit inflammation by targeting 5-lipoxygenase and switching the lipid mediator profile from leukotrienes to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM). Elucidation of the absolute configurations of 8-methylsocotrin-4'-ol revealed the 2S,γS-isomer being most active, and molecular docking studies suggest that the compound binds to an allosteric site between the 5-lipoxygenase subdomains. We identified additional subordinate targets within lipid mediator biosynthesis, including microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1. Leukotriene production is efficiently suppressed in activated human neutrophils, macrophages, and blood, while the induction of SPM biosynthesis is restricted to M2 macrophages. The shift from leukotrienes to SPM was also evident in mouse peritonitis in vivo and accompanied by a substantial decrease in immune cell infiltration. In summary, we disclose a promising drug candidate that combines potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibition with the favorable reprogramming of lipid mediator profiles.

Endogenous metabolites of vitamin E limit inflammation by targeting 5-lipoxygenase.

Systemic vitamin E metabolites have been proposed as signaling molecules, but their physiological role is unknown. Here we show, by library screening of potential human vitamin E metabolites, that long-chain ω-carboxylates are potent allosteric inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of chemoattractant and vasoactive leukotrienes. 13-((2R)-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-yl)-2,6,10-trimethyltridecanoic acid (α-T-13'-COOH) can be synthesized from α-tocopherol in a human liver-on-chip, and is detected in human and mouse plasma at concentrations (8-49 nM) that inhibit 5-lipoxygenase in human leukocytes. α-T-13'-COOH accumulates in immune cells and inflamed murine exudates, selectively inhibits the biosynthesis of 5-lipoxygenase-derived lipid mediators in vitro and in vivo, and efficiently suppresses inflammation and bronchial hyper-reactivity in mouse models of peritonitis and asthma. Together, our data suggest that the immune regulatory and anti-inflammatory functions of α-tocopherol depend on its endogenous metabolite α-T-13'-COOH, potentially through inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase in immune cells.

Sex differences in prostaglandin biosynthesis in neutrophils during acute inflammation.

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.

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

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)α. Here, we show that targeting V-ATPase by selective inhibitors such as archazolid upregulates the expression and secretion of TNFα in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or LPS/interferon (INF)γ-activated M1-like macrophages derived from human blood monocytes. In contrast, archazolid failed to elevate TNFα production from uncommitted (M0) or interleukin (IL)-4-treated M2-like macrophages. Secretion of other relevant cytokines (i.e., IL-1ß, 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 TNFα secretion. Archazolid selectively increased TNFα mRNA levels, which was abolished by dexamethasone. Interestingly, archazolid enhanced the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NFκB 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 TNFα production in classically-activated macrophages along with NFκB and SAPK/JNK activation. Such increased TNFα release caused by V-ATPase inhibitors may contribute to tumor suppression in addition to direct targeting cancer cells.

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

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)α 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 NFκB, 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 TNFα secretion. In a microfluidically-supported human tumour biochip model, circulating ChA-treated M1 markedly reduced tumour cell viability through enhanced release of TNFα. 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.

Pharmacological profile and efficiency in vivo of diflapolin, the first dual inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein and soluble epoxide hydrolase.

Arachidonic acid (AA) is metabolized to diverse bioactive lipid mediators. Whereas the 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) facilitates AA conversion by 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) to pro-inflammatory leukotrienes (LTs), the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) degrades anti-inflammatory epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Accordingly, dual FLAP/sEH inhibition might be advantageous drugs for intervention of inflammation. We present the in vivo pharmacological profile and efficiency of N-[4-(benzothiazol-2-ylmethoxy)-2-methylphenyl]-N'-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)urea (diflapolin) that dually targets FLAP and sEH. Diflapolin inhibited 5-LOX product formation in intact human monocytes and neutrophils with IC50 = 30 and 170 nM, respectively, and suppressed the activity of isolated sEH (IC50 = 20 nM). Characteristic for FLAP inhibitors, diflapolin (I) failed to inhibit isolated 5-LOX, (II) blocked 5-LOX product formation in HEK cells only when 5-LOX/FLAP was co-expressed, (III) lost potency in intact cells when exogenous AA was supplied, and (IV) prevented 5-LOX/FLAP complex assembly in leukocytes. Diflapolin showed target specificity, as other enzymes related to AA metabolism (i.e., COX1/2, 12/15-LOX, LTA4H, LTC4S, mPGES1, and cPLA2) were not inhibited. In the zymosan-induced mouse peritonitis model, diflapolin impaired vascular permeability, inhibited cysteinyl-LTs and LTB4 formation, and suppressed neutrophil infiltration. Diflapolin is a highly active dual FLAP/sEH inhibitor in vitro and in vivo with target specificity to treat inflammation-related diseases.

Androgen-mediated sex bias impairs efficiency of leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors in males.

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 5α-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.

BRP-187: A potent inhibitor of leukotriene biosynthesis that acts through impeding the dynamic 5-lipoxygenase/5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) complex assembly.

The pro-inflammatory leukotrienes (LTs) are formed from arachidonic acid (AA) in activated leukocytes, where 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) translocates to the nuclear envelope to assemble a functional complex with the integral nuclear membrane protein 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP). FLAP, a MAPEG family member, facilitates AA transfer to 5-LO for efficient conversion, and LT biosynthesis critically depends on FLAP. Here we show that the novel LT biosynthesis inhibitor BRP-187 prevents the 5-LO/FLAP interaction at the nuclear envelope of human leukocytes without blocking 5-LO nuclear redistribution. BRP-187 inhibited 5-LO product formation in human monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated by lipopolysaccharide plus N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (IC50=7-10nM), and upon activation by ionophore A23187 (IC50=10-60nM). Excess of exogenous AA markedly impaired the potency of BRP-187. Direct 5-LO inhibition in cell-free assays was evident only at >35-fold higher concentrations, which was reversible and not improved under reducing conditions. BRP-187 prevented A23187-induced 5-LO/FLAP complex assembly in leukocytes but failed to block 5-LO nuclear translocation, features that were shared with the FLAP inhibitor MK886. Whereas AA release, cyclooxygenases and related LOs were unaffected, BRP-187 also potently inhibited microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (IC50=0.2µM), another MAPEG member. In vivo, BRP-187 (10mg/kg) exhibited significant effectiveness in zymosan-induced murine peritonitis, suppressing LT levels in peritoneal exudates as well as vascular permeability and neutrophil infiltration. Together, BRP-187 potently inhibits LT biosynthesis in vitro and in vivo, which seemingly is caused by preventing the 5-LO/FLAP complex assembly and warrants further preclinical evaluation.

The 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor RF-22c potently suppresses leukotriene biosynthesis in cellulo and blocks bronchoconstriction and inflammation in vivo.

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) catalyzes the first two steps in leukotriene (LT) biosynthesis. Because LTs play pivotal roles in allergy and inflammation, 5-LO represents a valuable target for anti-inflammatory drugs. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism, the pharmacological profile, and the in vivo effectiveness of the novel 1,2-benzoquinone-featured 5-LO inhibitor RF-22c. Compound RF-22c potently inhibited 5-LO product synthesis in neutrophils and monocytes (IC50⩾22nM) and in cell-free assays (IC50⩾140nM) without affecting 12/15-LOs, cyclooxygenase (COX)-1/2, or arachidonic acid release, in a specific and reversible manner, supported by molecular docking data. Antioxidant or iron-chelating properties were not evident for RF-22c and 5-LO-regulatory cofactors like Ca(2+) mobilization, ERK-1/2 activation, and 5-LO nuclear membrane translocation and interaction with 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP) were unaffected. RF-22c (0.1mg/kg; i.p.) impaired (I) bronchoconstriction in ovalbumin-sensitized mice challenged with acetylcholine, (II) exudate formation in carrageenan-induced paw edema, and (III) zymosan-induced leukocyte infiltration in air pouches. Taken together, RF-22c is a highly selective and potent 5-LO inhibitor in intact human leukocytes with pronounced effectiveness in different models of inflammation that warrants further preclinical analysis of this agent as anti-inflammatory drug.

A procedure for efficient non-viral siRNA transfection of primary human monocytes using nucleofection.

Monocytes are an important constituent of the innate immune system. Therefore, manipulating gene expression of primary human monocytes is a crucial mean to study and characterize the functions of targeted proteins in monocytes. Gene silencing by transfection of cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA) leading to the degradation of the corresponding mRNA and thus to reduced target protein levels is an important tool to investigate gene and protein function of interest. However, non-viral transfection of primary monocytes is challenging because siRNA uptake by these suspended cells is tricky, and the individual cells vary among different donors and do not proliferate. Here, we describe a procedure for efficient non-viral transfection of primary human monocytes isolated from peripheral blood, which maintains cell viability and cell functions, such as responsiveness to stimuli like LPS and IL-10. Nucleofection was used as an electroporation technique that enables efficient introduction of siRNA and silencing of target genes. Using a modification of our previously published protocol for the fast-proliferating THP-1 monocytic cell line, we transfected primary human monocytes with siRNA targeting 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). In fact, we successfully downregulated 5-LO mRNA resulting in reduced protein levels and enzymatic activity.

Novel series of benzoquinones with high potency against 5-lipoxygenase in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) is a potential target for pharmacological intervention with various inflammatory and allergic diseases. Starting from the natural dual 5-LO/microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES)-1 inhibitor embelin (2,5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl-1,4-benzoquinone, 2) that suppresses 5-LO activity in human primary leukocytes with IC50 = 0.8-2 µM, we synthesized 48 systematically modified derivatives of 2. We modified the 1,4-quinone to 1,2-quinone, mono- or bimethylated the hydroxyl groups, and varied the C11-n-alkyl residue (C4- to C16-n-alkyl or prenyl) of 2. Biological evaluation yields potent analogues being superior over 2 and obvious structure-activity relationships (SAR) for inhibition of 5-LO. Interestingly, conversion to 1,2-benzoquinone and bimethylation of the hydroxyl moieties strongly improves 5-LO inhibition in polymorphonuclear leukocytes versus 2 up to 60-fold, exemplified by the C12-n-alkyl derivative 22c (4,5-dimethoxy-3-dodecyl-1,2-benzoquinone) with IC50 = 29 nM. Regarding inhibition of mPGES-1, none of the novel benzoquinones could outperform the parental compound 2 (IC50 = 0.21 µM), and only modest suppressive effects on 12- and 15-LOs were evident. Together, our detailed SAR study reveals 22c as highly potent 5-LO-selective lead compound in intact cells that warrants further preclinical evaluation as anti-inflammatory agent.

Further studies on ethyl 5-hydroxy-indole-3-carboxylate scaffold: design, synthesis and evaluation of 2-phenylthiomethyl-indole derivatives as efficient inhibitors of human 5-lipoxygenase.

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO), an enzyme that catalyzes the initial steps in the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes, is an attractive drug target for the pharmacotherapy of inflammatory and allergic diseases. Here, we present the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel series of ethyl 5-hydroxyindole-3-carboxylate derivatives that efficiently inhibit human 5-LO. SAR analysis revealed that the potency of compounds is closely related to the positioning of the substituents at the phenylthiomethyl ring. The introduction of methyl or chlorine groups in ortho- and ortho/para-position of thiophenol represent the most favorable modifications. Among all tested compounds, ethyl 5-hydroxy-2-(mesitylthiomethyl)-1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylate (19) is the most potent derivative which blocks 5-LO activity in cell-free assays with IC50 = 0.7 µM, and suppressed 5-LO product synthesis in polymorphonuclear leukocytes with IC50 = 0.23 µM.

Targeting V-ATPase in primary human monocytes by archazolid potently represses the classical secretion of cytokines due to accumulation at the endoplasmic reticulum.

The macrolide archazolid inhibits vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase), a proton-translocating enzyme involved in protein transport and pH regulation of cell organelles, and potently suppresses cancer cell growth at low nanomolar concentrations. In view of the growing link between inflammation and cancer, we investigated whether inhibition of V-ATPase by archazolid may affect primary human monocytes that can promote cancer by sustaining inflammation through the release of tumor-promoting cytokines. Human primary monocytes express V-ATPase, and archazolid (10-100nM) increases the vesicular pH in these cells. Archazolid (10nM) markedly reduced the release of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, interleukin-6 and -8) but also of anti-inflammatory (interleukin-10) cytokines in monocytes stimulated with LPS, without affecting cell viability up to 1000nM. Of interest, secretion of interleukin-1ß was increased by archazolid. Comparable effects were obtained by the V-ATPase inhibitors bafilomycin and apicularen. The phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK-1/2, Akt, SAPK/JNK or of the inhibitor of NFκB (IκBα) as well as mRNA expression of IL-8 were not altered by archazolid in LPS-stimulated monocytes. Instead, archazolid caused endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response visualized by increased BiP expression and accumulation of IL-8 (and TNF-α) at the ER, indicating a perturbation of protein secretion. In conclusion, by interference with V-ATPase, archazolid significantly affects the secretion of cytokines due to accumulation at the ER which might be of relevance when using these agents for cancer therapy.

Indirubin-3'-monoxime exerts a dual mode of inhibition towards leukotriene-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell migration.

AIMS: The small molecule indirubin-3'-monoxime (I3MO) has been shown to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and neointima formation in vivo. The influence of I3MO on VSMC migration and vascular inflammation, two additional key players during the onset of atherosclerosis and restenosis, should be investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined the influence of I3MO on VSMC migration, with focus on monocyte-derived leukotrienes (LTs) and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) as elicitors. Exogenous LTB4 and cysteinyl leukotrienes as well as LT-enriched conditioned medium of activated primary human monocytes induced VSMC migration, which was inhibited by I3MO. I3MO also blunted migration of VSMC stimulated with the PDGF, the strongest motogen tested in this study. Induction of haem oxygenase 1 accounted for this anti-migratory activity of I3MO in VSMC. Notably, I3MO not only interfered with the migratory response in VSMC, but also suppressed the production of pro-migratory LT in monocytes. Conditioned media from monocytes that were activated in the presence of I3MO failed to induce VSMC migration. In cell-based and cell-free assays, I3MO selectively inhibited 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), the key enzyme in LT biosynthesis, with an IC50 in the low micromolar range. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals a novel dual inhibitory mode of I3MO on LT-mediated VSMC migration: (i) I3MO interferes with pro-migratory signalling in VSMC and (ii) I3MO suppresses LT biosynthesis in monocytes by direct inhibition of 5-LO. These inhibitory actions on both migratory stimulus and response complement the previously demonstrated anti-proliferative properties of I3MO and may further promote I3MO as promising vasoprotective compound.