Novel mediators and mechanisms in the resolution of infectious inflammation: evidence for vagus regulation.

Excessive chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases and considered a stress factor in humans (Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co., 1999, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2008, 105: 17949, Immunity, 44, 2016, 44: 463, N Engl J Med, 2011, 364: 656). Today, the resolution of inflammation is widely recognized as a cellular biochemically active process involving biosynthesis of a novel superfamily of endogenous chemical signals coined specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs; Nature, 2014, 510:92). Herein, we review recent evidence, indicating a role for the vagus nerve and vagotomy in the regulation of lipid mediators. Vagotomy reduces pro-resolving mediators, including the lipoxins, resolvins, protectins and maresins, delaying resolution in mouse peritonitis. Vagotomy also delays resolution of Escherichia coli infection in mice. Specifically, right vagus regulates peritoneal Group 3 innate lymphoid cell (ILC-3) number and peritoneal macrophage responses with lipid mediator profile signatures with elevated pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and reduced resolvins, including the novel protective immunoresolvent agonist protectin conjugate in tissue regeneration1 (PCTR1). Acetylcholine upregulates PCTR biosynthesis, and administration of PCTR1 to vagotomized mice restores tissue resolution and host responses to E. coli infections. Results obtained with human vagus ex vivo indicate that vagus can produce both pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, as well as the SPM. Electrical stimulation of human vagus in vitro reduces both prostaglandins and leukotrienes and enhances resolvins and the other SPM. These results elucidate a host protective mechanism mediated by vagus stimulation of SPM that includes resolvins and PCTR1 to regulate myeloid antimicrobial functions and resolution of infection. Moreover, they define a new pro-resolution of inflammation reflex operative in mice and human tissue that involves a vagus SPM circuit.

Synthesis of protectin D1 analogs: novel pro-resolution and radiotracer agents.

Protectin D1 is a specialized pro-resolving mediator with potent pro-resolving and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo in several human disease models. Herein the preparation of the first synthetic analog of protectin D1, named 22-F-PD1, is presented together with data from in vivo investigations. This analog showed potent pro-resolving and anti-inflammatory properties. These results inspired the preparation of the radiotracer 22-[18F]F-PD1-ME that was used in a positron emission tomography proof of concept study. Altogether, the findings presented contribute to new knowledge on the biomolecular properties of protectin D1 analogs. In addition, an improved formal synthesis of the metabolite 22-OH-PD1 is reported.

Periodontal Stem Cells Synthesize Maresin Conjugate in Tissue Regeneration 3.

Periodontal disease is a significant public health problem worldwide. Excess unresolved chronic inflammation destroys the periodontal tissues that surround and support the teeth, and efforts to control inflammation by removal of bacterial deposits on the teeth have limited long-term impact. Likewise, procedures aimed at regeneration of the periodontal tissues have shown limited success. Recent advances in stem cell research have shown promising novel prospects for the use of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in tissue regeneration; however, control of inflammation remains a barrier. Human PDLSCs have been shown to release specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs) that modulate the immune response and promote resolution of inflammation, tissue repair, and regeneration. Studies on stem cell biology in periodontology have also been limited by the lack of a good large animal model. Herein, we describe PDLSC biology of the Yorkshire pig (pPDLSCs). pPDLSCs were isolated and characterized. Using lipid mediator profiling, we demonstrate for the first time that pPDLSCs biosynthesize cysteinyl-containing SPMs (cys-SPMs), specifically, maresin conjugates in tissue regeneration 3 (MCTR3) and its authentication using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The exogenous addition of the n-3 precursor docosahexaenoic acid enhances MCTR3 biosynthesis. Using immunocytochemistry, we show that pPDLSCs express 4 of the SPM biosynthetic pathway enzymes necessary for SPM biosynthesis, including 5-lipoxygenase, 12-lipoxygenase, and 15-lipoxygenase-1. In addition, we identified and quantified the cytokine/chemokine profile of pPDLSCs using a 13-plex immunology multiplex assay and found that the pretreatment of pPDLSCs with MCTR3 in an inflammatory environment reduced the production of acute and chronic proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines. Together, these results suggest that enhancing resolution of inflammation pathways and mediators may be a possible key early event in predictable periodontal regeneration.

Formation of lipoxins and leukotrienes during receptor-mediated interactions of human platelets and recombinant human granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor-primed neutrophils.

The generation of lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid is considered an important event in inflammation. This study demonstrates the levels of both lipoxins and leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, LTB4, and omega-oxidized LTB4) generated from endogenous sources of arachidonate by PMN primed with recombinant human granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor and in coincubations with platelets (1:1 to 1:100 ratio). Upon exposure to receptor-mediated stimuli (FMLP and thrombin), the levels of lipoxins generated were within the range of both LTB4 and LTC4. Co-incubation of [1-14C]arachidonate-labeled platelets with primed polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) followed by addition of thrombin and FMLP led to the formation of both 5- and 15-LO products that carried 14C label. Thus, in addition to the transcellular conversion of LTA4 to platelet-derived lipoxins and LTC4, PMN can use platelet-derived arachidonate to generate lipoxygenase products. These results are the first to document the relationship between the levels of lipoxins and leukotrienes generated by receptor-mediated activation of cytokineprimed PMN interacting with platelets. Moreover, they indicate that PMN-platelet interactions utilize bidirectional transcellular routes to contribute to lipoxin formation.

Lipoxin A4 and B4 are potent stimuli for human monocyte migration and adhesion: selective inactivation by dehydrogenation and reduction.

Monocyte recruitment and adherence are important events in inflammatory and vascular diseases. Here, we evaluated the actions of lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and LXB4, a series of lipoxygenase products from arachidonic acid generated by cell-cell interactions, on human monocytes. LXA4 and LXB4 (10(-7) M) each increased monocyte migration in chamber chemotaxis assays and, in migration under agarose, exhibited chemotactic indices similar to those of the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine at 10(-10)-10(-8) M and to the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) at 10(-8)-10(-7) M with a rank order of potency: Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 alpha > LXA4 approximately LXB4 approximately MIP-1 alpha. Lipoxins also stimulated monocyte adherence to laminin. In addition, human monocytes rapidly transformed LXA4 and LXB4 to several metabolites. LXB4 (> 80%) was converted within 30 s to new products, in a trend similar to that of LXA4. The novel monocyte-derived LXB4 products were identified as 5-oxo-6,7-dihydro-LXB4 and 6,7-dihydro-LXB4, indicating a role for site-selective dehydrogenation and reduction. Unlike monocytes, intact polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) did not metabolize LXA4 in significant quantities, and only approximately 12% of exogenous LXB4 was omega-oxidized to 20-OH-LXB4 and 20-COOH-LXB4 by PMN. To determine if lipoxin conversion altered bioactivity, we evaluated the actions of these metabolites on monocytes. Each of the novel products of LXA4 and LXB4 from monocytes, namely oxo- and dihydrolipoxins, were essentially inactive in stimulating monocyte adherence. In contrast, the omega-oxidation products of LXB4 isolated from PMN were equipotent with LXB4 for monocyte adherence. Dehydrogenation of LXA4 in monocytes appears to be carried out by a 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, which is present in human monocytes as determined by reverse transcription PCR and Western blots. Together, these results provide the first evidence that LXA4 and LXB4 are both potent stimulants for migration and adherence of human monocytes. Moreover, they underscore the importance of the major route of lipoxin metabolism in leukocytes, namely, the rapid dehydrogenation and inactivation carried out by monocytes.

Intravascular filarial parasites elaborate cyclooxygenase-derived eicosanoids.

The nematode parasites that cause human lymphatic filariasis survive for long periods in their vascular habitats despite continual exposure to host cells. Since prostanoids formed from arachidonic acid can modulate interactions among platelets, leukocytes, and endothelial cells, we examined whether intravascular nematode parasites can elaborate prostanoids. Microfilariae of Brugia malayi utilize exogenous and endogenous arachidonic acid to generate and release two predominant prostanoids, prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2. Filarial metabolism of host fatty acids to form these vasodilatory, antiaggregatory, and immunomodulatory eicosanoids provides a means by which these helminthic parasites may influence host immune and other cellular responses.

Identification of a human cDNA encoding a functional high affinity lipoxin A4 receptor.

Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) triggers selective responses with human neutrophils that are pertussis toxin sensitive and binds to high affinity receptors (Kd = 0.5 +/- 0.3 nM) that are modulated by stable analogues of guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP). Here, we characterized [11,12-(3)]LXA4 specific binding with neutrophil granule and plasma membranes, which each display high affinity binding sites (Kd = 0.7 +/- 0.1 nM) that were regulated by GTP gamma S. Since functional LXA4 receptors are inducible in HL-60 cells, we tested orphan cDNAs encoding 7-transmembrane region receptors cloned from these cells for their ability to bind and signal with LXA4. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with the orphan receptor cDNA (pINF114) displayed specific 3H-LXA4 high affinity binding (1.7 nM). When displacement of LXA4 binding with pINF114-transfected CHO cells was tested with other eicosanoids, including LXB4, leukotriene D4 (LTD4), LTB4, or prostaglandin E2, only LTD4 competed with LXA4, giving a Ki of 80 nM. In transfected CHO cells, LXA4 also stimulated GTPase activity and provoked the release of esterified arachidonate, which proved to be pertussis toxin sensitive. These results indicate that pINF114 cDNA encodes a 7-transmembrane region-containing protein that displays high affinity for 3H-LXA4 and transmits LXA4-induced signals. Together, they suggest that the encoded protein is a candidate for a LXA4 receptor in myeloid cells.

Identification of a human enterocyte lipoxin A4 receptor that is regulated by interleukin (IL)-13 and interferon gamma and inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced IL-8 release.

Epithelial cells of the alimentary tract play a central role in mucosal immunophysiology. Pathogens and/or agonists that interact with mucosal surfaces often elicit epithelial responses that upregulate inflammation. Therefore, it was of interest to explore potential epithelial targeted antiinflammatory signals. Here we identified and sequenced a human enterocyte lipoxin (LX) A4 [5(S), 6(R),15(S)-trihydroxy-7,9,13-trans-11-cis eicosatetraenoic acid] receptor, and demonstrate that transcription of this receptor was controlled by cytokines, of which lymphocyte-derived interleukin (IL)-13 and interferon gamma were the most potent. When lipoxins and LXA4 stable analogs were evaluated for enterocyte functional as well as immune responses, lipoxins sharply inhibited TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 release but did not alter either barrier function or agonist-stimulated chloride secretion. 15R/S-methyl-LXA4 and 16-phenoxy-LXA4 each attenuated (IC50 approximately 10 nM) IL-8 release. Cyclooxygenase (COX) II is emerging as an important component in wound healing and proliferation in intestinal epithelia and when acetylated by acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) initiates the biosynthesis of a LXA4 receptor ligand. We therefore determined whether colonic cell lines (HT-29 Cl.19A, Caco-2, or T84) express the COX II isozyme. Results for RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that COX I as well as an IL-1beta- and TNF-alpha-inducible COX II are expressed in HT-29 Cl.19A. In addition, aspirin-treated enterocytes generated 15R-HETE, a precursor of 15-epi-LXA4 biosynthesis, whose potent bioactions were mimicked by the stable analog 15R/S-methyl-LXA4. Taken together, these results identify an endogenous pathway for downregulating mucosal inflammatory events and suggest a potential therapeutic benefit for LXA4 stable analogs.

Activation of lipoxin A(4) receptors by aspirin-triggered lipoxins and select peptides evokes ligand-specific responses in inflammation.

Lipoxin (LX) A(4) and aspirin-triggered LX (ATL) are endogenous lipids that regulate leukocyte trafficking via specific LXA(4) receptors (ALXRs) and mediate antiinflammation and resolution. ATL analogues dramatically inhibited human neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte [PMN]) responses evoked by a potent necrotactic peptide derived from mitochondria as well as a rogue synthetic chemotactic peptide. These bioactive lipid analogues and small peptides each selectively competed for specific (3)H-LXA(4) binding with recombinant human ALXR, and its N-glycosylation proved essential for peptide but not LXA(4) recognition. Chimeric receptors constructed from receptors with opposing functions, namely ALXR and leukotriene B(4) receptors (BLTs), revealed that the seventh transmembrane segment and adjacent regions of ALXR are essential for LXA(4) recognition, and additional regions of ALXR are required for high affinity binding of the peptide ligands. Together, these findings are the first to indicate that a single seven-transmembrane receptor can switch recognition as well as function with certain chemotactic peptides to inhibitory with ATL and LX (lipid ligands). Moreover, they suggest that ALXR activation by LX or ATL can protect the host from potentially deleterious PMN responses associated with innate immunity as well as direct effector responses in tissue injury by recognition of peptide fragments.

Lipoxin (LX)A4 and aspirin-triggered 15-epi-LXA4 inhibit tumor necrosis factor 1alpha-initiated neutrophil responses and trafficking: regulators of a cytokine-chemokine axis.

The impact of lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and aspirin-triggered lipoxins (ATLs) was investigated in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-initiated neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte) responses in vitro and in vivo using metabolically stable LX analogues. At concentrations as low as 1-10 nM, the LXA4 and ATL analogues each inhibited TNF-alpha-stimulated superoxide anion generation and IL-1beta release by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. These LXA4-ATL actions were time and concentration dependent and proved selective for TNF-alpha, as these responses were not altered with either GM-CSF- or zymosan-stimulated cells. TNF-alpha-induced IL-1beta gene expression was also regulated by both anti-LXA4 receptor antibodies and LXA4-ATL analogues. In murine air pouches, 15R/S-methyl-LXA4 dramatically inhibited TNF-alpha-stimulated leukocyte trafficking, as well as the appearance of both macrophage inflammatory peptide 2 and IL-1beta, while concomitantly stimulating IL-4 in pouch exudates. Together, these results indicate that both LXA4 and ATL regulate TNF-alpha-directed neutrophil actions in vitro and in vivo and stimulate IL-4 in exudates, playing a pivotal role in immune responses.

Novel functional sets of lipid-derived mediators with antiinflammatory actions generated from omega-3 fatty acids via cyclooxygenase 2-nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and transcellular processing.

Aspirin therapy inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis without directly acting on lipoxygenases, yet via acetylation of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) it leads to bioactive lipoxins (LXs) epimeric at carbon 15 (15-epi-LX, also termed aspirin-triggered LX [ATL]). Here, we report that inflammatory exudates from mice treated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and aspirin (ASA) generate a novel array of bioactive lipid signals. Human endothelial cells with upregulated COX-2 treated with ASA converted C20:5 omega-3 to 18R-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (HEPE) and 15R-HEPE. Each was used by polymorphonuclear leukocytes to generate separate classes of novel trihydroxy-containing mediators, including 5-series 15R-LX(5) and 5,12,18R-triHEPE. These new compounds proved to be potent inhibitors of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte transendothelial migration and infiltration in vivo (ATL analogue > 5,12,18R-triHEPE > 18R-HEPE). Acetaminophen and indomethacin also permitted 18R-HEPE and 15R-HEPE generation with recombinant COX-2 as well as omega-5 and omega-9 oxygenations of other fatty acids that act on hematologic cells. These findings establish new transcellular routes for producing arrays of bioactive lipid mediators via COX-2-nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-dependent oxygenations and cell-cell interactions that impact microinflammation. The generation of these and related compounds provides a novel mechanism(s) for the therapeutic benefits of omega-3 dietary supplementation, which may be important in inflammation, neoplasia, and vascular diseases.

Aspirin-triggered 15-epi-lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and LXA4 stable analogues are potent inhibitors of acute inflammation: evidence for anti-inflammatory receptors.

Lipoxins are bioactive eicosanoids that are immunomodulators. In human myeloid cells, lipoxin (LX) A4 actions are mediated by interaction with a G protein-coupled receptor. To explore functions of LXA4 and aspirin-triggered 5(S),6(R),15(R)-trihydroxy-7,9,13-trans-11-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-epi-LXA4) in vivo, we cloned and characterized a mouse LXA4 receptor (LXA4R). When expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, the mouse LXA4R showed specific binding to [3H]LXA4 (K(d) approximately 1.5 nM), and with LXA4 activated GTP hydrolysis. Mouse LXA4R mRNA was most abundant in neutrophils. In addition to LXA4 and 15-epi-LXA4, bioactive LX stable analogues competed with both [3H]LXA4 and [3H]leukotriene D4 (LTD4)-specific binding in vitro to neutrophils and endothelial cells, respectively. Topical application of LXA4 analogues and novel aspirin-triggered 15-epi-LXA4 stable analogues to mouse ears markedly inhibited neutrophil infiltration in vivo as assessed by both light microscopy and reduced myeloperoxidase activity in skin biopsies. The 15(R)-16-phenoxy-17,18, 19,20-tetranor-LXA4 methyl ester (15-epi-16-phenoxy-LXA4), an analogue of aspirin triggered 15-epi-LXA4, and 15(S)-16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20-tetranor-LXA4 methyl ester (16-phenoxy-LXA4) were each as potent as equimolar applications of the anti-inflammatory, dexamethasone. Thus, we identified murine LXA4R, which is highly expressed on murine neutrophils, and showed that both LXA4 and 15-epi-LXA4 stable analogues inhibit neutrophil infiltration in the mouse ear model of inflammation. These findings provide direct in vivo evidence for an anti-inflammatory action for both aspirin-triggered LXA4 and LXA4 stable analogues and their site of action in vivo.

Profiling in resolving inflammatory exudates identifies novel anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators and signals for termination.

A highly orchestrated inflammatory response and its completion, termed resolution, are essential for ongoing health. Thus, complete understanding of the cellular and molecular events that govern natural resolution is vital. Using an unbiased systems approach to profile self-limited inflammatory exudates, we identified a novel genus of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) comprised of three new families coined the resolvins, protectins and most recently the maresins biosynthesized from omega-3 fatty acids. These join the lipoxin- and aspirin-triggered lipoxins as anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators formed from arachidonic acid with the genus. SPMs have proven stereoselective, and control both the duration and magnitude of inflammation. Mapping these endogenous resolution circuits provides new avenues to probe the molecular basis of many widely occurring diseases where uncontrolled inflammation is characteristic. The focus of this JIM review is to depict recent advances from studies by the authors and colleagues on the biosynthesis and actions of these novel anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving and protective lipid mediators. Together these findings indicate that defective mechanisms and pathways in resolution may underlie our current appreciation of the inflammatory phenotype(s) that characterize some prevalent human diseases.

Leukotrienes and lipoxins: structures, biosynthesis, and biological effects.

Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids upon cell stimulation (for example, by immune complexes and calcium ionophores) and converted to leukotrienes by a 5-lipoxygenase that also has leukotriene A4 synthetase activity. Leukotriene A4, an unstable epoxide, is hydrolyzed to leukotriene B4 or conjugated with glutathione to yield leukotriene C4 and its metabolites, leukotriene D4 and leukotriene E4. The leukotrienes participate in host defense reactions and pathophysiological conditions such as immediate hypersensitivity and inflammation. Recent studies also suggest a neuroendocrine role for leukotriene C4 in luteinizing hormone secretion. Lipoxins are formed by the action of 5- and 15-lipoxygenases on arachidonic acid. Lipoxin A causes contraction of guinea pig lung strips and dilation of the microvasculature. Both lipoxin A and B inhibit natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Thus, the multiple interaction of lipoxygenases generates compounds that can regulate specific cellular responses of importance in inflammation and immunity.

Endogenous pro-resolving and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators: a new pharmacologic genus.

Complete resolution of an acute inflammatory response and its return to homeostasis are essential for healthy tissues. Here, we overview ongoing efforts to characterize cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the resolution of self-limited inflammation. Systematic temporal analyses of evolving inflammatory exudates using mediator lipidomics-informatics, proteomics, and cellular trafficking with murine resolving exudates demonstrate novel endogenous pathways of local-acting mediators that share both anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties. In murine systems, resolving-exudate leukocytes switch their phenotype to actively generate new families of mediators from major omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA termed resolvins and protectins. Recent advances on their biosynthesis and actions are reviewed with a focus on the E-series resolvins (RvE1, RvE2), D series resolvins (RvD1, RvD2) and the protectins including neuroprotectin D1/protectin D1 (NPD1/PD1) as well as their aspirin-triggered epimeric forms. Members of each new family demonstrate potent stereo-specific actions, joining the lipoxins as endogenous local signals that govern resolution and endogenous anti-inflammation mechanisms. In addition to their origins and roles in resolution biology in the immune system, recent findings indicate that these new mediator families also display potent protective actions in lung, kidney, and eye as well as enhance microbial clearance. Thus, these endogenous agonists of resolution pathways constitute a novel genus of chemical mediators that possess pro-resolving, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic as well as host-directed antimicrobial actions. These may be useful in the design of new therapeutics and treatments for diseases with the underlying trait of uncontrolled inflammation and redox organ stress.

Lipoxin formation during human neutrophil-platelet interactions. Evidence for the transformation of leukotriene A4 by platelet 12-lipoxygenase in vitro.

Human neutrophils from peripheral blood may physically interact with platelets in several settings including hemostasis, inflammation, and a variety of vascular disorders. A role for lipoxygenase (LO)-derived products has been implicated in each of these events; therefore, we investigated the formation of lipoxins during coincubation of human neutrophils and platelets. Simultaneous addition of FMLP and thrombin to coincubations of these cells led to formation of both lipoxin A4 and lipoxin B4, which were monitored by reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography. Neither stimulus nor cell type alone induced the formation of these products. When leukotriene A4 (LTA4), a candidate for the transmitting signal, was added to platelets, lipoxins were formed. In cell-free 100,000 g supernatants of platelet lysates, which displayed 12-LO activity, LTA4 was also transformed to lipoxins. Platelet formation of lipoxins was inhibited by the LO inhibitor esculetin and partially sensitive to chelation of Ca2+, while neither acetylsalicylic acid nor indomethacin significantly inhibited their generation. In contrast, neutrophils did not transform LTA4 to lipoxins. Cell-free 100,000 g supernatants of neutrophil lysates converted LTA4 to LTB4. These results indicate that neutrophil-platelet interactions can lead to the formation of lipoxins from endogenous sources and provide a role for platelet 12-LO in the formation of lipoxins from LTA4.

Neutrophil-mediated changes in vascular permeability are inhibited by topical application of aspirin-triggered 15-epi-lipoxin A4 and novel lipoxin B4 stable analogues.

Neutrophil (PMN) activation is critical in inflammation and reperfusion injury, suggesting that PMN-directed therapies may be of clinical use. Here, leukotriene B4 (LTB4)-induced PMN influx in ear skin was equivalent between 5-lipoxygenase knockout and wild-type mice. To explore actions of lipoxin (LX) in PMN-mediated tissue injury, we prepared several novel LX stable analogues, including analogues of LXA4 and aspirin-triggered 15-epi-LXA4 as well as LXB4, and examined their impact in PMN infiltration and vascular permeability. Each applied topically to mouse ears inhibited dramatically PMN-mediated increases in vascular permeability (IC50 range of 13-26 nmol) with a rank order of 15(R/S)-methyl-LXA4 > 16-para-fluoro-phenoxy-LXA4 approximately 5(S)-methyl-LXB4 >/= 16-phenoxy-LXA4 > 5(R)-methyl-LXB4. These LX mimetics were as potent as an LTB4 receptor antagonist, yet results from microphysiometry with mouse leukocytes indicated that they do not act as LTB4 receptor level antagonists. In addition, within 24 h of delivery, > 90% were cleared from ear biopsies. Neither IL-8, FMLP, C5a, LTD4, nor platelet-activating factor act topically to promote PMN influx. When applied with LTB4, PGE2 enhanced sharply both infiltration and vascular permeability, which were inhibited by a fluorinated stable analogue of aspirin-triggered LX. These results indicate that mimetics of LXs and aspirin-triggered 15-epi-LXA4 are topically active in this model and are potent inhibitors of both PMN infiltration and PMN-mediated vascular injury.

Lipoxin A4 modulates transmigration of human neutrophils across intestinal epithelial monolayers.

Neutrophil (PMN) migration across intestinal epithelial barriers, such as occurs in many disease states, results in modifications in epithelial barrier. Here, we investigated the impact of lipoxin A4 (LXA4), an eicosanoid with counterregulatory inflammatory roles, on PMN migration across cultured monolayers of the human intestinal epithelial cell line T84. Transepithelial migration of PMN was assessed in the apical-to-basolateral direction and in the basolateral-to-apical direction. In the apical-to-basolateral direction, preexposure of PMN to LXA4 (10 nM, 15 min) stimulated an 87 +/- 5% increase in transepithelial migration of PMN as determined by a PMN myeloperoxidase assay. The LXA4-elicited effect on transmigration was present throughout the 2-h assay period and was not secondary to LXA4 effects on epithelial monolayer integrity as judged by measurement of transepithelial resistance. PMN migration in the basolateral-to-apical direction was modulated by LXA4 with a comparable time- and concentration-dependence to that in the apical-to-basolateral direction. However, qualitative differences in how LXA4 modulates transmigration in the two opposing directions were observed. In the basolateral-to-apical direction, preexposure of PMN to LXA4 (10 nM, 15 min) diminished PMN transepithelial migration by 33 +/- 4%. Structure-function studies revealed that LXA4 and 11-trans-LXA4 (50% of LXA4 effect), but not LXB4, inhibited basolateral-to-apical PMN transmigration. The action of LXA4 was not sensitive to inhibitors of cyclooxygenase or specific leukotriene biosynthesis, but was sensitive to staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor. These results suggest that migration of PMN across epithelia in the physiological direction may be qualitatively different following PMN exposure to eicosanoids. We propose that such retention of PMN at this specific anatomic location may serve an important role in mucosal defense.

Human alveolar macrophages have 15-lipoxygenase and generate 15(S)-hydroxy-5,8,11-cis-13-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid and lipoxins.

Eicosanoids derived from lipoxygenase (LO)-catalyzed reactions play important roles in pulmonary inflammation. Here, we examined formation of LO-derived products by human alveolar macrophages (HAM). HAM converted [1-14C]-arachidonic acid to a product carrying 14C-radiolabel that was identified as 15(S)-hydroxy-5,8,11-cis-13-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) by physical methods. 15-LO mRNA was demonstrated in HAM by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Incubation of HAM for 3 d with interleukin 4(IL-4) before exposure to [1-14C]arachidonic acid led to both increased mRNA for 15-LO and a 4-fold increase in 15-HETE formation. In contrast, 5(S)-hydroxy-6-trans-8,11,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid generation was not significantly altered by prior exposure to IL-4. Additionally, lipoxins (LXA4 and LXB4) were detected from endogenous substrate, albeit in lower levels than leukotriene B4 (LTB4), in electrochemical detection/high performance liquid chromatography profiles from HAM incubated in the presence and absence of the chemotactic peptide (FMLP) or the calcium ionophore (A23187). Exposure of HAM to leukotriene A4 (LTA4) resulted in a 2-fold increase in LXA4 and 10-fold increase in LXB4. These results demonstrate the presence of 15-LO mRNA and enzyme activity in HAM and the production of LXA4 and LXB4 by these cells. Along with 5-LO-derived products, the biosynthesis of 15-LO-derived eicosanoids by HAM may also be relevant in modulating inflammatory responses in the lung.