Endoperoxide formation by an α-ketoglutarate-dependent mononuclear non-haem iron enzyme.

Many peroxy-containing secondary metabolites have been isolated and shown to provide beneficial effects to human health. Yet, the mechanisms of most endoperoxide biosyntheses are not well understood. Although endoperoxides have been suggested as key reaction intermediates in several cases, the only well-characterized endoperoxide biosynthetic enzyme is prostaglandin H synthase, a haem-containing enzyme. Fumitremorgin B endoperoxidase (FtmOx1) from Aspergillus fumigatus is the first reported α-ketoglutarate-dependent mononuclear non-haem iron enzyme that can catalyse an endoperoxide formation reaction. To elucidate the mechanistic details for this unique chemical transformation, we report the X-ray crystal structures of FtmOx1 and the binary complexes it forms with either the co-substrate (α-ketoglutarate) or the substrate (fumitremorgin B). Uniquely, after α-ketoglutarate has bound to the mononuclear iron centre in a bidentate fashion, the remaining open site for oxygen binding and activation is shielded from the substrate or the solvent by a tyrosine residue (Y224). Upon replacing Y224 with alanine or phenylalanine, the FtmOx1 catalysis diverts from endoperoxide formation to the more commonly observed hydroxylation. Subsequent characterizations by a combination of stopped-flow optical absorption spectroscopy and freeze-quench electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy support the presence of transient radical species in FtmOx1 catalysis. Our results help to unravel the novel mechanism for this endoperoxide formation reaction.

Generation of 8-epiprostaglandin F2alpha by human monocytes. Discriminate production by reactive oxygen species and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2.

F2-isoprostanes are free radical-catalyzed products of arachidonic acid. One of these compounds, 8-epiprostaglandin F2alpha (8-epi-PGF2alpha), is a mitogen and vasoconstrictor. We have shown that 8-epi-PGF2 alpha, unlike other F2-isoprostanes, is a minor product of the prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-1 (PG G/H S-1) expressed in human platelets (Praticó, D., Lawson, J. A., and Fitzgerald, G. A. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 9800-9808). Human monocytes express PG G/H S-1 constitutively and exhibit regulated expression of PG G/H S-2. Induction of PG G/H S-2 by concanavalin A, the phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and bacterial lipopolysaccharide was confirmed with a specific antibody in monocytes pretreated with aspirin to inhibit PG G/H S-1. Induction of PG G/H S-2 by all three stimuli coincided with increased formation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TxB2), and 8-epi-PGF2 alpha, but not of other F2-isoprostanes. Confirmation of PG G/H S-2 as the source of 8-epi-PGF2 alpha formation was obtained by down-regulating the enzyme with dexamethasone; preventing protein synthesis with cycloheximide; and preventing synthesis of PGE2, TxB2, and 8-epi-PGF2 alpha with the specific PG G/H S-2 inhibitor, L 745,337. Monocytes also exhibit the facility to generate 8-epi-PGF2 alpha in a free radical-dependent manner. Thus, stimulation with opsonized zymosan or coincubation with low density lipoprotein was unassociated with product formation. However, coincubation of low density lipoprotein with zymosan-stimulated human monocytes resulted in marked formation of 8-epi-PGF2alpha, but not of PGE2 or TxB2. Production of 8-epi-PGF2 alpha coincided with that of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides, but was unaccompanied by PG G/H S-2 induction. Pretreatment of monocytes with the antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene or with superoxide dismutase, but not with L 745,337, suppressed formation of 8-epi-PGF2alpha, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and lipid hydroperoxides. In conclusion, human monocytes may form bioactive 8-epi-PGF2alpha either via free radical- or enzyme-catalyzed pathways. 8-Epi-PGF2alpha is a more abundant product of monocyte PG G/H S-2 than of platelet PG G/H S-1. Formation by inducible PG G/H S-2 must be considered as a source of this compound in vivo.

Prostaglandin and thromboxane biosynthesis.

We describe the enzymological regulation of the formation of prostaglandin (PG) D2, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2, PGI2 (prostacyclin), and thromboxane (Tx) A2 from arachidonic acid. We discuss the three major steps in prostanoid formation: (a) arachidonate mobilization from monophosphatidylinositol involving phospholipase C, diglyceride lipase, and monoglyceride lipase and from phosphatidylcholine involving phospholipase A2; (b) formation of prostaglandin endoperoxides (PGG2 and PGH2) catalyzed by the cyclooxygenase and peroxidase activities of PGH synthase; and (c) synthesis of PGD2, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2, PGI2, and TxA2 from PGH2. We also include information on the roles of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, dexamethasone and other anti-inflammatory steroids, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and interleukin-1 in prostaglandin metabolism.

Differences in endothelium-dependent cerebral dilation by bradykinin and acetylcholine.

We compared the mechanism of action of acetylcholine and bradykinin, two agents that cause endothelium-dependent relaxation, on cerebral arterioles of cats equipped with cranial windows for the observation of the cerebral microcirculation. The vasodilation caused by bradykinin was eliminated by cyclooxygenase inhibition with topical indomethacin, it was reduced by topical deferoxamine, an agent that scavenges iron and thereby inhibits the production of hydroxyl radical via the Haber-Weiss reaction, and it was eliminated by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, an agent that inhibited superoxide production by cyclooxygenase. The vasodilation from acetylcholine was not affected by these agents. Acetylcholine induced a transferable, short-lived vasodilator material in bioassay experiments, whereas bradykinin did not. Bradykinin or acetylcholine, when applied topically by themselves, induced arteriolar dilation; when applied together, they did not. The findings are consistent with the view that the cerebral arteriolar dilation from bradykinin is caused by oxygen radicals generated in association with accelerated arachidonate metabolism via cyclooxygenase, whereas the dilation from acetylcholine is caused by an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) similar to that generated by this agent in large vessels in vitro. The EDRF from acetylcholine and the radicals from bradykinin interact and inactivate each other.

The role of platelet prostanoids and dense granule compounds in initial attachment, spreading and aggregation of platelets on collagen substrates.

The role of platelet prostanoids, ADP and 5HT in initial attachment, spreading and aggregation of platelets on collagen substrates (CI, CIII, CIV, CV, CC) was studied. A positive linear correlation was found between thrombi-like aggregate formation on collagen substrates and production of platelet prostanoids. No correlation was established between platelet aggregation and 14C-5HT release. Thrombi-like aggregate formation was completely inhibited by indomethacin and TXA2/PGH2 antagonists (13-APA and BM 13.177). Both 13-APA and BM 13.177 had no effect on platelet spreading, while indomethacin inhibited this process by 25%. The ADP-scavenger system (CP/CPK) inhibited platelet aggregation and spreading by 25-30%. Initial attachment was not influenced by aspirin, indomethacin and CP/CPK. The data obtained indicate that platelet aggregation on collagen substrates is mediated by PGH2 and TXA2 production. These compounds slightly affect the platelet spreading. Both platelet spreading and aggregation on collagen substrates are only partially mediated by ADP and 5HT release. Initial attachment of platelets does not depend on the release reaction and PGH2/TXA2 synthesis.

Prostaglandin G2 levels during reaction of prostaglandin H synthase with arachidonic acid.

Prostaglandin H synthase catalyzes the formation of prostaglandin (PG) G2 from arachidonic acid (cyclooxygenase activity), and also the reduction of PGG2 to PGH2 (peroxidase activity). The ability of the pure synthase to accumulate the hydroperoxide, PGG2, under conditions allowing the concurrent function of both catalytic activities was investigated. The peroxidase velocity was continuously determined from the absorbance increases at 611 nm that accompanied oxidation of a peroxidase cosubstrate, N,N,N',N'-tetramethylphenylenediamine, and PGG2 concentrations were calculated from the peroxidase velocities and the peroxidase Vmax and Km values. Cyclooxygenase velocities were then calculated from the changes in PGG2. Parallel reactions monitored by the use of radiolabelled arachidonate or with a polarographic oxygen electrode were used to confirm the calculated PGG2 levels and the cyclooxygenase velocities. The concentration of PGG2 was found to follow a transient course as the reaction of the synthase progressed, rapidly rising to a maximum of 0.7 microM in the first 10 s, and then declining slowly, reaching 0.1 microM after 60 s. The maximal level of PGG2 achieved during the reaction was constant at about 0.7 microM with higher amounts of added cyclooxygenase capacity (0.3-0.6 microM PGG2/s) but was only about 0.4 microM when the added cyclooxygenase capacity was 0.1 microM PGG2/s. The peroxidase was found to lose only 30% of its activity after 90 s, a point where the cyclooxygenase was almost completely inactive. These results support the concept of a burst of catalytic action from the cyclooxygenase and a reactive, more sustained, catalytic action from the peroxidase during the reaction of the synthase with arachidonic acid.

Preparative HPLC purification of prostaglandin endoperoxides and isolation of novel cyclooxygenase-derived arachidonic acid metabolites.

A preparative HPLC purification scheme for the isolation of prostaglandin endoperoxides prepared by short-time incubation of [1-14C]-labelled arachidonic acid (AA) with sheep seminal vesicle microsomes was developed. Milligram quantities of prostaglandin G2 (PGG2) and prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) were obtained in greater than or equal to 95% purity within shortest time. Furthermore, careful application of this HPLC technique led to the isolation of two minor [1-14C]-labelled fractions which according to their spectral and chromatographic characteristics, were identical with 15(S)-hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HPETE) and 15(S)-hydroxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). Another HETE substituted at either C11 or C12 was also present. The formation of these products was mediated by cyclooxygenase as evidenced by aspirin (100 microM) and indomethacin (10 microM) inhibition. Sulfhydryl-blocking agents such as p-hydroxymercuribenzoate (1 mM) and/or the 12-lipoxygenase inhibitor esculetin (100 microM) were without effect. In addition to these AA metabolites four other fractions contained arachidonate-derived endoperoxides with antiaggregatory properties, all of which released malondialdehyde upon incubation with thromboxane A2 synthase. No thromboxane formation was observed although turnover numbers were comparable to those of PGG2 and PGH2. The formation of these endoperoxides did not occur via enzymatic or non-enzymatic degradation of PGG2 or PGH2. The exact chemical nature of these endoperoxides remains to be established.

The effect of E. coli infection on the prostaglandin synthesizing capacity of postobstructive rat kidney.

The PGE2, PGI2, PGF2 alpha and TxA2 synthesizing activities were studied in an isolated microsomal fraction of rat kidney after temporary, unilateral ureter obstruction and E. coli infection. In the early phase of regeneration the synthesis of vasodilatory PGI2 was increased, whereas that of vasoconstrictory PGF2 alpha was decreased. An increased PGE2 synthesizing activity was observed when renal obstruction was associated with infection. The role of these changes in regenerating the haemodynamics and function of postobstructive kidney is discussed.

[Thrombocyte interaction with a collagen substrate: the role of thrombocyte-synthesized prostaglandin endoperoxides and thromboxane A2]. / Vzaimodeistvie trombotsitov s kollagenovym substratom: rol' sinteziruemykh trombotsitami prostaglandinovykh éndoperekisei i tromboksana A2.

The effects of (i) the exogenous arachidonic acid (AA), (ii) stable prostaglandin endoperoxide analogue--U46619, and (iii) cyclooxygenase inhibitor--aspirin on the interaction of platelets with a surface coated with fibrillar calf skin collagen were studied using scanning electron microscopy. AA and U46619 stimulate massive spreading of platelets (on the collagen substrate and formation of surface-bound multilayer (thrombi-like) aggregates. The stimulation of spreading and formation of thrombi-like aggregates by AA correlate with the thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthesis in platelets. Unlike AA, U46619 induces these processes without transformation into TXA2 and stimulation of its synthesis in platelets. Cyclooxygenase inhibitor--aspirin prevents the AA-induced platelet spreading, formation of the surface-bound thrombi-like aggregates, and TXA2 synthesis. In the absence of soluble platelet inducers, aspirin inhibits the substrate-induced spreading, but doesn't affect the initial attachment of nonactivated platelets to the collagen substrate.

Prostaglandin H synthase-dependent co-oxygenation of (+/-)-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene in hamster trachea and human bronchus explants.

The role of prostaglandin H synthase (PHS) in the metabolism of 7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BP-7,8-diol) has been examined in short-term explant cultures of hamster and human tracheobronchial tissues. Labeled BP-7,8-diol was incubated with the explants in the presence and absence of the PHS substrate arachidonic acid (20:4) and the PHS inhibitor indomethacin. The addition of 10 microM to 200 microM 20:4 to incubations of hamster trachea with 5 microM BP-7,8-diol caused significant increases in the formation of 7r,8t-dihydroxy-9t,10t-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[ a]pyrene (anti-BPDE). These increases were not seen when 1 microM or 20 microM BP-7,8-diol was employed. The stimulation of anti-BPDE formation was observed after incubations of from 1 to 48 h. This stimulation was inhibited to the basal level by 20 microM indomethacin, supporting the role of PHS in the response. No effect of 20:4 was seen on the uptake of BP-7,8-diol by the tracheas or on the formation of water-soluble metabolites. Significant increases in covalent binding of BP-7,8-diol metabolites to DNA of the tracheal epithelium were also elicited by the addition of 20:4, however these increases were not well correlated quantitatively with the increases in anti-BPDE formation. H.p.l.c. profiles of deoxynucleoside adducts from basal and 20:4-stimulated incubations were qualitatively identical. Far greater variability of metabolism was seen in human bronchus explants, but 20:4-dependent increases in anti-BPDE formation could be demonstrated in those tissues as well. Inhibition of this stimulation by indomethacin was either absent or incomplete. This variation in the effect of indomethacin was explained by the examination of the products of 20:4 metabolism by the two tissues. Hamster trachea produced almost exclusively PHS metabolites whereas human bronchus yielded predominantly products of lipoxygenases, enzymes insensitive to indomethacin. In conclusion, this study indicates that co-oxygenation of chemical carcinogens can occur in hamster and human tracheobronchial tissues. The concentration-dependence observed with BP-7,8-diol, however, suggests that this pathway is of minor importance in the activation of BP in these tissues.

Platelet adhesion.

Platelets do not adhere to surfaces to which flowing blood is normally exposed in vivo. When the lining of a blood vessel is altered or damaged, however, platelets do adhere to the injured site. Platelet adhesion is one of the first events in the formation of hemostatic plugs and thrombi, and plays a part in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Other surfaces to which platelets adhere include particulate matter in the blood stream, bacteria and other microorganisms, the artificial surfaces of prosthetic devices, and some altered cells in the blood, particularly macrophages. The majority of investigators have studied the interaction of platelets with the subendothelium of normal vessels of young animals, or with isolated vessel wall constituents such as collagen. There are very few studies of platelet adhesion to repeatedly damaged or diseased blood vessels, although it is generally assumed that platelets interact with the connective tissue, fibrin, and cholesterol crystals in atherosclerotic lesions. Underlying the endothelium of blood vessel is the basement membrane, which has been shown to contain type IV collagen, elastin with its associated microfibrils, von Willebrand Factor, fibronectin, thrombospondin, laminin, and heparan sulfate. If only the endothelium is removed, the main structure exposed is the basement membrane with its associated proteins, but deeper injuries expose fibrillar type III collagen and microfibrils. In most studies in which large arteries have been injured by passage of a balloon catheter, basement membrane, type III collagen and the microfibrils around elastin have been exposed. Platelets do not react strongly with basement membrane and the type IV collagen in it is relatively inert. In contrast, platelets adhere firmly to type III (and type I) collagen and spread on it. Although in vitro studies have shown that platelets can interact with collagen in artificial media without plasma proteins, investigations of platelet adhesion at high shear rates indicate that von Willebrand Factor is necessary for firm platelet adhesion under these conditions. Fibronectin and thrombospondin may also have a role in platelet adhesion. However, platelets do not bind von Willebrand Factor or fibronectin until the platelets have been stimulated to release their granule contents, so these binding sites probably do not become available until the platelets have interacted with collagen or another release-inducing agent such as thrombin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Prostacyclin production in whole blood throughout normal pregnancy.

In a longitudinal study of twelve normal pregnant women the base-line plasma values of 6-keto prostaglandin (PG)F1 alpha, the stable degradation product of prostacyclin, were determined. At the same time the capacity of their blood to produce prostacyclin was assessed using a stimulation test. When collagen is added to citrated whole blood there is a prompt rise in plasma 6-keto PGF1 alpha, which results from the synthesis of prostacyclin by leukocytes. These cells use cyclic endoperoxides in part coming from activated platelets and in part derived from endogenous substrate to produce prostacyclin. Both the base-line values and the capacity to produce prostacyclin fell significantly after 33 weeks of pregnancy. The decreased capacity to produce prostacyclin in the later stages of pregnancy may help account for the relatively diminished refractoriness to angiotensin II, characterizing the last two months of normal pregnancies.

Influence of asbestos fibers on collagen and prostaglandin production in fibroblast and macrophage co-cultures.

The interaction of fibroblasts, macrophages, and crocidolite asbestos fibers was studied in cell culture. We determined the effects of co-cultivation and asbestos fibers on collagen, total protein, and PG production. The co-cultivation of guinea pig alveolar macrophages and fetal lung fibroblasts resulted in a 155% increase in protein and a 31% increase in collagen production above fibroblast controls. The collagen was derived exclusively from the fibroblasts. Although total protein production was derived predominantly from the fibroblasts, the macrophages in co-culture also contributed to the protein levels. The addition of asbestos fibers to fibroblast cultures resulted in a decrease in collagen and total protein production. The addition of asbestos fibers to fibroblast and macrophage co-cultures prevented the enhancement of collagen production and limited the increase in protein production above fibroblast controls. PGE2, PGI2, and TXA2 were measured in macrophage and fibroblast cultures. Very low, almost undetectable PG production was observed under basal conditions by either cell type alone or in co-culture. Bradykinin induced release of these PGs in fibroblast but not macrophage cultures. This release was enhanced in co-cultures. Asbestos fibers, when added to the co-cultures caused a significant increase in the release of PGs, particularly PGE2. PGE2 is known to inhibit collagen and total protein production by fibroblasts. The increased release of PGs in asbestos-treated co-cultures may have contributed to the described asbestos suppression of collagen production