Metabolism of anti-inflammatory OXE (oxoeicosanoid) receptor antagonists by nonhuman primates.

5-Oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) is the only product of the proinflammatory 5-lipoxygenase pathway with potent chemoattractant effects for human eosinophils, suggesting an important role in eosinophilic diseases such as asthma. 5-Oxo-ETE, acting through its selective OXE receptor, induces dermal eosinophilia in both humans and monkeys. To block its effects, we designed selective indole-based OXE antagonists containing hexyl (S-230) or phenylhexyl (S-C025 and S-Y048) side chains, which inhibit allergen-induced dermal and pulmonary inflammation in monkeys, suggesting that they may be useful therapeutic agents in humans. In this study we identified two metabolic pathways for the phenylhexyl-containing antagonists in liver microsomes: benzylic and N-methyl hydroxylation, resulting in ω-hydroxy, ω-oxo, and NH-containing products with reduced potencies that were identified by mass spectrometry and comparison with synthetic standards. Products of both pathways were also identified in monkey plasma following oral administration of S-C025 and S-Y025, but were less abundant than the α-hydroxy metabolites that we previously identified. Interestingly, the α-hydroxy compounds were not detected in microsomal incubations, suggesting a different origin. The relative rates of metabolism of these antagonists were S-230 >> S-C025 > S-Y048, which may help to explain the differences in their plasma half-lives (S-230 < S-C025 < S-Y048). In conclusion, S-C025 and S-Y048 are metabolized by liver microsomes by benzylic and N-methyl hydroxylation but not by α-hydroxylation, whereas all three pathways exist in vivo. Addition of a phenyl group to the hexyl side chain of these antagonists dramatically reduced their rates of metabolism, which would explain their prolonged in vivo half-lives.

Targeting the OXE receptor with a selective antagonist inhibits allergen-induced pulmonary inflammation in non-human primates.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The 5-lipoxygenase product, 5-oxo-ETE (5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid), is a potent chemoattractant for eosinophils and neutrophils. However, little is known about its pathophysiological role because of the lack of a rodent ortholog of the oxoeicosanoid (OXE) receptor. The present study aimed to determine whether the selective OXE receptor antagonist S-Y048 can inhibit allergen-induced pulmonary inflammation in a monkey model of asthma. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Monkeys sensitized to house dust mite antigen (HDM) were treated with either vehicle or S-Y048 prior to challenge with aerosolized HDM, and bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid was collected 24 h later. After 6 weeks, animals that had initially been treated with vehicle received S-Y048 and vice versa for animals initially treated with S-Y048. Eosinophils and neutrophils in BAL and lung tissue samples were evaluated, as well as mucus-containing cells in bronchi. KEY RESULTS: HDM significantly increased the numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils, and macrophages in BAL fluid 24 h after challenge. These responses were all significantly inhibited by S-Y048, which also reduced the numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils in lung tissue 24 h after challenge with HDM. S-Y048 also significantly reduced the numbers of bronchial epithelial cells staining for mucin and MUC5AC after antigen challenge. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: This study provides the first evidence that 5-oxo-ETE may play an important role in inducing allergen-induced pulmonary inflammation and could also be involved in regulating MUC5AC in goblet cells. OXE receptor antagonists such as S-Y048 may useful therapeutic agents in asthma and other eosinophilic as well as neutrophilic diseases.

Protein kinase C activates NAD kinase in human neutrophils.

NAD kinase (NADK) is required for the de novo synthesis of NADP+ from NAD+. In neutrophils, NADK plays an essential role by providing sufficient levels of NADPH to support a robust oxidative burst. Activation of NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX-2) in neutrophils by stimulators of protein kinase C (PKC), such as phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), results in the rapid generation of superoxide at the expense of oxidation of NADPH to NADP+. In this study, we measured the levels of pyridine nucleotides following the addition of PMA to neutrophils. PMA elicited a rapid increase in NADP+ in neutrophils, which was not due to oxidation of NADPH, the levels of which also rose. This was mirrored by a rapid reduction in NAD+ levels, suggesting that NADK had been activated. PMA-induced depletion of NAD+ in neutrophils was blocked by PKC inhibitors, but was not dependent on NOX-2, as it was not blocked by the NOX inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium. PMA also increased NADK activity in neutrophil lysates as well as NADK phosphorylation, as revealed by a monoclonal antibody selective for phospho-NADK. Human recombinant NADK was phosphorylated by PKCδ, resulting in increased immunoreactivity, but unchanged enzyme activity, suggesting that PKC-induced phosphorylation alone is insufficient to increase NADK activity in neutrophils. This leads us to speculate that phosphorylation of NADK promotes the dissociation of an inhibitory molecule from a complex, thereby increasing enzyme activity. Activation of NADK by PKC in phagocytic cells could be critical for the rapid provision of sufficient levels of superoxide for host defence against invading microorganisms.

Inhibition of allergen-induced dermal eosinophilia by an oxoeicosanoid receptor antagonist in non-human primates.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: 5-Oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE), acting via the OXE receptor, is unique among 5-lipoxygenase products in its ability to directly induce human eosinophil migration, suggesting its involvement in eosinophilic diseases. To address this hypothesis, we synthesized selective indole-based OXE receptor antagonists. Because rodents lack an OXE receptor orthologue, we sought to determine whether these antagonists could attenuate allergen-induced skin eosinophilia in sensitized monkeys. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: In a pilot study, cynomolgus monkeys with environmentally acquired sensitivity to Ascaris suum were treated orally with the "first-generation" OXE antagonist 230 prior to intradermal injection of 5-oxo-ETE or Ascaris extract. Eosinophils were evaluated in punch biopsy samples taken 6 or 24 hr later. We subsequently treated captive-bred rhesus monkeys sensitized to house dust mite (HDM) allergen with a more recently developed OXE antagonist, S-Y048, and evaluated its effects on dermal eosinophilia induced by either 5-oxo-ETE or HDM. KEY RESULTS: In a pilot experiment, both 5-oxo-ETE and Ascaris extract induced dermal eosinophilia in cynomolgus monkeys, which appeared to be reduced by 230. Subsequently, we found that the related OXE antagonist S-Y048 is a highly potent inhibitor of 5-oxo-ETE-induced activation of rhesus monkey eosinophils in vitro and has a half-life in plasma of about 6 hr after oral administration. S-Y048 significantly inhibited eosinophil infiltration into the skin in response to both intradermally administered 5-oxo-ETE and HDM. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: 5-Oxo-ETE may play an important role in allergen-induced eosinophilia. Blocking its effects with S-Y048 may provide a novel therapeutic approach for eosinophilic diseases.

Novel highly potent OXE receptor antagonists with prolonged plasma lifetimes that are converted to active metabolites in vivo in monkeys.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The 5-lipoxygenase product 5-oxo-6E,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE), acting through the OXE receptor, is a potent eosinophil chemoattractant that may be an important proinflammatory mediator in eosinophilic diseases such as asthma. We previously identified a series of indole-based OXE receptor antagonists that rapidly appear in the blood following oral administration but have limited lifetimes. The objective of this study was to increase the potency and plasma half-lives of these compounds and thereby identify the optimal candidate for future preclinical studies in monkeys, as rodents do not have an OXE receptor orthologue. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We synthesized a series of substituted phenylalkyl indoles and compared their antagonist potencies, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism to those of our earlier compounds. The potencies of some of their metabolites were also investigated. KEY RESULTS: Among the compounds tested, the S-enantiomer of the m-chlorophenyl compound (S-Y048) was the most potent, with an pIC50 of about 10.8 for inhibition of 5-oxo-ETE-induced calcium mobilization in human neutrophils. When administered orally to cynomolgus monkeys, S-Y048 rapidly appeared in the blood and had a half-life in plasma of over 7 hr, considerably longer than any of the other OXE analogues tested. A major hydroxylated metabolite, with a potency close to that of its precursor, was identified in plasma. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Because of its highly potent antagonist activity and its long lifetime in vivo, S-Y048 may be a useful anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of eosinophilic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.

Novel Highly Potent and Metabolically Resistant Oxoeicosanoid (OXE) Receptor Antagonists That Block the Actions of the Granulocyte Chemoattractant 5-Oxo-6,8,11,14-Eicosatetraenoic Acid (5-oxo-ETE).

5-Oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) is a potent lipid mediator that induces tissue eosinophilia via the selective OXE receptor (OXE-R), which is an attractive therapeutic target in eosinophilic diseases. We previously identified indole OXE-R antagonists that block 5-oxo-ETE-induced primate eosinophil activation. Although these compounds possess good oral absorption, their plasma levels decline rapidly due to extensive oxidation of their hexyl side chain. We have now succeeded in dramatically increasing antagonist potency and resistance to metabolism by replacing the hexyl group with phenylpentyl or phenylhexyl side chains. Compared with our previous lead compound S-230, our most potent antagonist, S-C025, has an IC50 (120 pM) over 80 times lower and a substantially longer plasma half-life. A single major metabolite, which retains antagonist activity (IC50, 690 pM) and has a prolonged lifetime in plasma was observed. These new highly potent OXE-R antagonists may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of eosinophilic disorders like asthma.

Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of a potent N-acylindole antagonist of the OXE receptor for the eosinophil chemoattractant 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) in rats and monkeys.

We previously identified the indole 264 as a potent in vitro antagonist of the human OXE receptor that mediates the actions of the powerful eosinophil chemoattractant 5-oxo-ETE. No antagonists of this receptor are currently commercially available or are being tested in clinical studies. The lack of a rodent ortholog of the OXE receptor has hampered progress in this area because of the unavailability of commonly used mouse or rat animal models. In the present study, we examined the feasibility of using the cynomolgus monkey as an animal model to investigate the efficacy of orally administered 264 in future in vivo studies. We first confirmed that 264 is active in monkeys by showing that it is a potent inhibitor of 5-oxo-ETE-induced actin polymerization and chemotaxis in granulocytes. The major microsomal metabolites of 264 were identified by cochromatography with authentic chemically synthesized standards and LC-MS/MS as its ω2-hydroxy and ω2-oxo derivatives, formed by ω2-oxidation of its hexyl side chain. Small amounts of ω1-oxidation products were also identified. None of these metabolites have substantial antagonist potency. High levels of 264 appeared rapidly in the blood following oral administration to both rats and monkeys, and declined to low levels by 24 h. As with microsomes, its major plasma metabolites in monkeys were ω2-oxidation products. We conclude that the monkey is a suitable animal model to investigate potential therapeutic effects of 264. This, or a related compound with diminished susceptibility to ω2-oxidation, could be a useful therapeutic agent in eosinophilic disorders such as asthma.

In vivo α-hydroxylation of a 2-alkylindole antagonist of the OXE receptor for the eosinophil chemoattractant 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid in monkeys.

We have developed a selective indole antagonist (230) targeting the OXE receptor for the potent eosinophil chemoattractant 5-oxo-ETE (5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid), that may be useful for the treatment of eosinophilic diseases such as asthma. In previous studies we identified ω2-oxidation of the hexyl side chain of racemic 230 as a major metabolic route in monkeys, but also obtained evidence for another pathway that appeared to involve hydroxylation of the hexyl side chain close to the indole. The present study was designed to investigate the metabolism of the active S-enantiomer of 230 (S230) and to identify the novel hydroxy metabolite and its chirality. Following oral administration, S230 rapidly appeared in the blood along with metabolites formed by a novel and highly stereospecific α-hydroxylation pathway, resulting in the formation of αS-hydroxy-S230. The chirality of α-hydroxy-S230 was determined by the total synthesis of the relevant diastereomers. Of the four possible diastereomers of α-hydroxy-230 only αS-hydroxy-S230 has significant OXE receptor antagonist activity and only this diastereomer was found in significant amounts in blood following oral administration of S230. Other novel metabolites of S230 identified in plasma by LC-MS/MS were αS,ω2-dihydroxy-S230 and glucuronides of S230 and ω2-hydroxy-S230. Thus the alkyl side chain of S230, which is essential for its antagonist activity, is also the major target of the metabolic enzymes that terminate its antagonist activity. Modification of this side chain might result in the development of related antagonists with improved metabolic stability and efficacy.

Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism of Selective Oxoeicosanoid (OXE) Receptor Antagonists and Their Effects on 5-Oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid (5-Oxo-ETE)-Induced Granulocyte Activation in Monkeys.

The potent eosinophil chemoattractant 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) is a 5-lipoxygenase product that acts via the selective OXE receptor, which is present in many species, but not rodents. We previously reported that the indole 230 is a potent human OXE receptor antagonist. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the monkey would be a suitable animal model to investigate its pharmaceutical potential. We found that monkey leukocytes synthesize and respond to 5-oxo-ETE and that 230 is a potent antagonist of the OXE receptor in monkey eosinophils. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that 230 appears rapidly in the blood following oral administration. Using chemically synthesized standards, we identified the major microsomal and plasma metabolites of 230 as products of ω2-hydroxylation of the alkyl side chain. These studies demonstrate that the monkey is a promising animal model to investigate the drug potential of OXE receptor antagonists.

Biosynthesis and actions of 5-oxoeicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) on feline granulocytes.

The 5-lipoxygenase product 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) is the most powerful human eosinophil chemoattractant among lipid mediators and could play a major pathophysiological role in eosinophilic diseases such as asthma. Its actions are mediated by the OXE receptor, orthologs of which are found in many species from humans to fish, but not rodents. The unavailability of rodent models to examine the pathophysiological roles of 5-oxo-ETE and the OXE receptor has substantially hampered progress in this area. As an alternative, we have explored the possibility that the cat could serve as an appropriate animal model to investigate the role of 5-oxo-ETE. We found that feline peripheral blood leukocytes synthesize 5-oxo-ETE and that physiologically relevant levels of 5-oxo-ETE are present in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from cats with experimentally induced asthma. 5-Oxo-ETE (EC50, 0.7nM) is a much more potent activator of actin polymerization in feline eosinophils than various other eicosanoids, including leukotriene (LT) B4 and prostaglandin D2. 5-Oxo-ETE and LTB4 induce feline leukocyte migration to similar extents at low concentrations (1nM), but at higher concentrations the response to 5-oxo-ETE is much greater. Although high concentrations of selective human OXE receptor antagonists blocked 5-oxo-ETE-induced actin polymerization in feline granulocytes, their potencies were about 200 times lower than for human granulocytes. We conclude that feline leukocytes synthesize and respond to 5-oxo-ETE, which could potentially play an important role in feline asthma, a common condition in this species. The cat could serve as a useful animal model to investigate the pathophysiological role of 5-oxo-ETE.

Inhibition of 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid-induced activation of neutrophils and eosinophils by novel indole OXE receptor antagonists.

5-Oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) is a 5-lipoxygenase product that is a potent granulocyte chemoattractant, which induces the infiltration of eosinophils into human skin when injected intradermally. It could therefore be an important proinflammatory mediator in eosinophilic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, and the OXE receptor, which mediates its actions, is therefore an attractive drug target. Using a structure-based approach in which substituents mimicking the essential polar (C1-C5) and hydrophobic (C15-C20) regions of 5-oxo-ETE were incorporated on an indole scaffold, we identified two potent selective OXE antagonists with IC50 values of about 30 nM. Neither compound displayed agonist activity and both inhibited 5-oxo-ETE-induced chemotaxis and actin polymerization and were relatively resistant to metabolism by rat liver homogenates. The active enantiomers of these racemic antagonists were even more potent, with IC50 values of <10 nM. These selective OXE antagonists could potentially be useful therapeutic agents in allergic diseases such as asthma.

Substrate selectivity of 5-hydroxyeicosanoid dehydrogenase and its inhibition by 5-hydroxy-Delta6-long-chain fatty acids.

5-Oxo-6E,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) is a metabolite of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) product 5S-hydroxy-6E,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), formed by the microsomal enzyme 5-hydroxyeicosanoid dehydrogenase (5-HEDH). 5-oxo-ETE is a chemoattractant for neutrophils and eosinophils, both in vitro and in vivo. To examine the substrate selectivity of 5-HEDH and to search for potential inhibitors, we prepared a series of 5S-hydroxy fatty acids (C(12) to C(20) containing zero to four double bonds) by total chemical synthesis and examined their metabolism by microsomes from monocytic U937 cells. Although most of these fatty acids were oxidized to their 5-oxo metabolites by 5-HEDH, 5-HETE seemed to be the best substrate. However, substrates containing less than 16 carbons, a methylated alpha-carboxyl group, or a hydroxyl group at the omega-end of the molecule were not substantially metabolized. Some of the fatty acids tested were fairly potent inhibitors of the formation of 5-oxo-ETE by 5-HEDH, in particular 5-hydroxy-6-octadecenoic acid and 5-hydroxy-6-eicosenoic acid. Both substances selectively inhibited 5-oxo-ETE formation by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells incubated with arachidonic acid and calcium ionophore without affecting the formation of leukotriene B(4), 12-HETE, or 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid. We conclude that the requirements for appreciable metabolism by 5-HEDH include a chain length of at least 16 carbons, a free alpha-carboxyl group, and a hydrophobic group at the omega-end of the molecule. 5-Hydroxy-Delta(6) C(18) and C(20) fatty acids selectively inhibit 5-HEDH without inhibiting 5-LO, leukotriene A(4) hydrolase, 12-lipoxygenase, or cyclooxygenase. Such compounds may be useful in defining the role of 5-oxo-ETE and its mechanism of synthesis.

Structural requirements for activation of the 5-oxo-6E,8Z, 11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) receptor: identification of a mead acid metabolite with potent agonist activity.

The 5-lipoxygenase product 5-oxo-6E,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) is a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils and eosinophils, and its actions are mediated by the oxoeicosanoid (OXE) receptor, a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family. To define the requirements for activation of the OXE receptor, we have synthesized a series of 5-oxo-6E,8Z-dienoic acids with chain lengths between 12 and 20 carbons, as well as a series of 20-carbon 5-oxo fatty acids, either fully saturated or containing between one and five double bonds. The effects of these compounds on neutrophils (calcium mobilization, CD11b expression, and cell migration) and eosinophils (actin polymerization) were compared with those of 5-oxo-ETE. The C12 and C14 analogs were without appreciable activity, whereas the C16 5-oxo-dienoic acid was a weak partial agonist. In contrast, the corresponding C18 analog (5-oxo-18:2) was nearly as potent as 5-oxo-ETE. Among the C20 analogs, the fully saturated compound had virtually no activity, whereas 5-oxo-6E-eicosenoic acid had only weak agonist activity. In contrast, 5-oxo-6E,8Z,11Z-eicosatrienoic acid (5-oxo-20:3) and its 8-trans isomer were approximately equipotent with 5-oxo-ETE in activating granulocytes. Because of the potent effects of 5-oxo-20:3, we investigated its formation from Mead acid (5Z,8Z,11Z-eicosatrienoic acid), which accumulates in dietary essential fatty acid deficiency, by neutrophils. The main Mead acid metabolite identified was 5-hydroxy-6,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid, followed by 5-oxo-20:3 and two 6-trans isomers of leukotriene B(3). We conclude that optimal activation of the OXE receptor is achieved with 5-oxo-ETE, 5-oxo-18:2, and 5-oxo-20:3, and that the latter compound could potentially be formed under conditions of essential fatty acid deficiency.

Human neutrophils convert the sebum-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid Sebaleic acid to a potent granulocyte chemoattractant.

Sebaleic acid (5,8-octadecadienoic acid) is the major polyunsaturated fatty acid in human sebum and skin surface lipids. The objective of the present study was to investigate the metabolism of this fatty acid by human neutrophils and to determine whether its metabolites are biologically active. Neutrophils converted sebaleic acid to four major products, which were identified by their chromatographic properties, UV absorbance, and mass spectra as 5-hydroxy-(6E,8Z)-octadecadienoic acid (5-HODE), 5-oxo-(6E,8Z)-octadecadienoic acid (5-oxo-ODE), 5S,18-dihydroxy-(6E,8Z)-octadecadienoic acid, and 5-oxo-18-hydroxy-(6E,8Z)-octadecadienoic acid. The identities of these metabolites were confirmed by comparison of their properties with those of authentic chemically synthesized standards. Both neutrophils and human keratinocytes converted 5-HODE to 5-oxo-ODE. This reaction was stimulated in neutrophils by phorbol myristate acetate and in keratinocytes by oxidative stress (t-butyl-hydroperoxide). Both treatments dramatically elevated intracellular levels of NADP(+), the cofactor required by 5-hydroxyeicosanoid dehydrogenase. In keratinocytes, this was accompanied by a rapid increase in intracellular GSSG levels, consistent with the involvement of glutathione peroxidase. 5-Oxo-ODE stimulated calcium mobilization in human neutrophils and induced desensitization to 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid but not leukotriene B(4), indicating that this effect was mediated by the OXE receptor. 5-Oxo-ODE and its 8-trans isomer were equipotent with 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid in stimulating actin polymerization and chemotaxis in human neutrophils, whereas 5-HODE, 5-oxo-18-hydroxy-(6E,8Z)-octadecadienoic acid, and 5S,18-dihydroxy-(6E,8Z)-octadecadienoic acid were much less active. We conclude that neutrophil 5-lipoxygenase converts sebaleic acid to 5-HODE, which can be further metabolized to 5-oxo-ODE by 5-hydroxyeicosanoid dehydrogenase in neutrophils and keratinocytes. Because of its chemoattractant properties, sebum-derived 5-oxo-ODE could be involved in neutrophil infiltration in inflammatory skin diseases.

Airway epithelial cells synthesize the lipid mediator 5-oxo-ETE in response to oxidative stress.

5-Oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) is a potent eosinophil chemoattractant that is synthesized from the 5-lipoxygenase product 5S-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) by the NADP+-dependent enzyme 5-hydroxyeicosanoid dehydrogenase (5-HEDH), previously reported only in inflammatory cells. Because of their critical location at the interface of the lung with the external environment, we sought to determine whether epithelial cells could also synthesize this substance. We found that HEp-2, T84, A549, and BEAS-2B cells all synthesize 5-oxo-ETE from 5-HETE in amounts comparable to leukocytes. The epithelial dehydrogenase is localized in the microsomal fraction, requires NADP+, and is selective for the S-isomer of 5-HETE, suggesting that it is identical to leukocyte 5-HEDH. Normal human bronchial epithelial cells have an even greater capacity to synthesize 5-oxo-ETE. H2O2 dramatically stimulates its synthesis in association with increased levels of intracellular GSSG and NADP+. These responses were all blocked by removal of GSH/GSSG with N-ethylmaleimide, suggesting that H2O2 stimulates 5-oxo-ETE synthesis by raising NADP+ levels through activation of the GSH redox cycle. Airway smooth muscle cells can also synthesize 5-oxo-ETE, but to a lesser extent. These results suggest that epithelial cells may be a major source of 5-oxo-ETE under conditions of oxidative stress, which may contribute to eosinophil infiltration in allergic diseases.

Agonist and antagonist effects of 15R-prostaglandin (PG) D2 and 11-methylene-PGD2 on human eosinophils and basophils.

Prostaglandin (PG) D2 acts through both the DP(1) receptor, which is coupled to adenylyl cyclase, and the DP2 receptor (chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells), which is present on eosinophils, basophils, and Th2 cells and results in cell activation and migration. The most potent prostanoid DP2 agonist so far reported is 15R-methyl-PGD2, in which the hydroxyl group has the unnatural R configuration. In contrast, the corresponding analog possessing the natural 15S configuration is approximately 75 times less potent. This raised the question of whether the isoprostane 15R-PGD2 might have potent DP2 receptor-mediated biological activity. We therefore chemically synthesized 15R-PGD2 and investigated its biological activity. This compound elicited DP2 receptor-mediated CD11b expression in human basophils and eosinophils and induced actin polymerization and migration in eosinophils with a potency about the same as that of PGD2. In contrast, it had only a weak effect on DP1 receptor-mediated adenylyl cyclase activity in human platelets. We also investigated the effects of modification of the 9-hydroxyl and 11-oxo groups of PGD2. Both PGK2, in which the 9-hydroxyl group is replaced by an oxo group, and 11-deoxy-11-methylene PGD2, in which the 11-oxo group is replaced by a CH2 group, have little or no DP1 or DP2 agonist activity. However, the 11-methylene analog is a DP2 antagonist (IC50, approximately 2 microM). We conclude that 15R-PGD2, which may be generated by oxidative stress, is a potent and selective DP2 agonist and that modification of the 11-oxo group of PGD2 can result in DP2 antagonist activity.

Regulation of 5-hydroxyeicosanoid dehydrogenase activity in monocytic cells.

The 5-lipoxygenase product 5-oxo-ETE (5-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid) is a highly potent granulocyte chemoattractant that is synthesized from 5-HETE (5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid) by 5-HEDH (5-hydroxyeicosanoid dehydrogenase). In the present study, we found that 5-HEDH activity is induced in U937 monocytic cells by differentiation towards macrophages with PMA and in HL-60 myeloblastic cells by 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3. We used PMA-differentiated U937 cells to investigate further the regulation of 5-HEDH. This enzyme exhibits approx. 10000-fold selectivity for NADP+ over NAD+ as a cofactor for the oxidation of 5-HETE, which is maximal at pH 10.2. In contrast, the reverse reaction (5-oxo-ETE-->5-HETE) is NADPH-dependent and is maximal at pH 6. Although the K(m) for the forward reaction (670 nM) is about twice that for the reverse reaction at neutral pH, the V(max) is approx 8-fold higher. The oxidation of 5-HETE to 5-oxo-ETE is supported by very low concentrations of NADP(+) (K(m) 139 nM), inhibited by NADPH (K(i) 224 nM) and is consistent with a ping-pong mechanism. The amount of 5-oxo-ETE synthesized by 5-HEDH depends on the ratio of NADP+ to NADPH. Exposure of U937 cells to oxidative stress (t-butyl hydroperoxide) increased the ratio of NADP+ to NADPH from approx. 0.08 in resting cells to approx. 3, and this was accompanied by a dramatic increase in 5-HETE oxidation to 5-oxo-ETE. We conclude that differentiation of monocytic cells towards macrophages results in enhanced 5-oxo-ETE synthesis and that the ability of cells to synthesize 5-oxo-ETE is tightly regulated by the ratio of intracellular NADP+ to NADPH.

Metabolism of 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid by human endothelial cells.

There is increasing evidence that proinflammatory products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway play an important role in cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we found that human endothelial cells rapidly oxidize the 5-lipoxygenase product 5S-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) to 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE), a potent chemoattractant for myeloid cells. 5-Oxo-ETE synthesis is strongly stimulated by oxidative stress. This effect is enhanced following inhibition of the pentose phosphate pathway with dehydroepiandrosterone and is mimicked by diamide, which oxidizes intracellular GSH to GSSG. Conversely, it is blocked by depletion of intracellular GSH/GSSG. The kinetics of H2O2-induced 5-oxo-ETE synthesis by endothelial cells correlate well with changes in the intracellular levels of GSSG and NADP+. These results suggest that exposure of the endothelium to oxidative stress and inflammation could result in the synthesis of 5-oxo-ETE, which could then induce the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the tissue.

Effects of prostaglandin D(2) and 5-lipoxygenase products on the expression of CD203c and CD11b by basophils.

Basophils are important in allergic diseases such as asthma because they produce a variety of inflammatory mediators. Activation of these cells with IgE and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine results in a variety of responses, including increased surface expression of CD203c and CD11b and release of histamine. Although considerable information is available on the effects of eicosanoids on neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes, less is known about their effects on basophils. In the present study, we examined the effects of various eicosanoids on the above basophil responses. Of the naturally occurring eicosanoids tested, prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2); EC(50), 10 nM) was by far the most potent activator of CD203c expression, with other prostanoids having little effect. This response was mediated by the DP(2) receptor/chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells because it was shared by the selective agonist 15R-methyl-PGD(2) (EC(50), 3 nM). The 5-lipoxygenase products leuko-triene B(4) and 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid also stimulated CD203c expression but to a lesser extent than PGD(2), whereas leukotriene D(4) was inactive. Neither PGD(2) nor 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid stimulated histamine release or CD63 expression on basophils. Both PGE(2) and the DP(1) receptor agonist BW245C [(4S)-(3-[(3R,S)-3-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxypropyl]-2,5-dioxo)-4-imidazolidineheptanoic acid] strongly inhibited DP(2) receptor-mediated CD203c expression. The DP(1) receptor antagonist BWA868C [3-[(2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2,5-dioxo-1-(phenylmethyl)-4-imidazolidine-heptanoic acid] enhanced PGD(2)-induced CD203c expression, suggesting that interaction of PGD(2) with DP(1) receptors can limit activation of basophils by this prostaglandin. In conclusion, PGD(2) is the most potent inducer of basophil CD203c expression among eicosanoids and may be a key mediator in asthma and other allergic diseases. The balance between DP(1) and DP(2) receptors may be important in determining the magnitude of basophil responses to this prostaglandin.