Genome-wide pathway analysis in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

This study aimed to (1) to identify candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and mechanisms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and (2) to generate SNP-to-gene-to-pathway hypotheses. An ADHD genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset that included 428,074 SNPs in 924 trios (2,758 individuals) of European descent was used in this study. The Identify candidate Causal SNPs and Pathways (ICSNPathway) analysis was applied to the GWAS dataset. ICSNPathway analysis identified 11 candidate SNPs, 6 genes, and 6 pathways, which provided 6 hypothetical biological mechanisms. The strongest hypothetical biological mechanism was that rs2532502 alters the role of CD27 in the context of the pathways of positive regulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport [nominal p < 0.001; false discovery rate (FDR) = 0.028]. The second strongest mechanism was the rs1820204, rs1052571, rs1052576 → CASP9 → mitochondrial pathway (nominal p < 0.001; FDR = 0.032). The third mechanism was the rs1801516 → ATM → CD25 pathway (nominal p < 0.001; FDR = 0.034). By applying the ICSNPathway analysis to the ADHD GWAS data, 11 candidate SNPs, 6 genes that included CD27, CASP9, ATM, CD12orf65, OXER1, and ACRY, and 6 pathways were identified that may contribute to ADHD susceptibility.

Effects of the experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage on the eicosanoid receptors in nicotine-induced contraction of the rat basilar artery.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of experimental SAH and arachidonic acid metabolites on nicotine-induced contraction in the rat basilar artery. METHODS: Rats were killed at 1 hour and 1 week after SAH, and the basilar artery was isolated and cut into a spiral strip. The effects of various eicosanoid receptor antagonists on nicotine-induced contraction in the rat basilar artery were investigated. RESULTS: Antagonists of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) receptors did not affect nicotine-induced contraction. In contrast, the antagonists of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptors (BLT1 and BLT2) attenuated the nicotine-induced contraction in the rat basilar artery. We also observed that SAH did not influence the effect of TXA2, LTB4, and CysLTs receptor antagonists on the nicotine-induced contraction. These results suggest that TXA2 and CysLTs are not involved in nicotine-induced contraction, while LTB4 potentates this contraction in rat basilar artery. CONCLUSIONS: BLT2 receptor seemed to be more involved in the nicotine-induced contraction than the BLT1 receptor. SAH did not affect the involvement of eicosanoids in the nicotine-induced contraction of the rat basilar artery. The present study shows the involvement of some of the arachidonic acid metabolites into signaling pathways of nicotine-induced contraction. It will serve to improve therapeutic interventions of SAH and suggests a promising approach to protect the cerebral vasculature of cigarette smokers.

Arachidonic-acid-derived eicosanoids: roles in biology and immunopathology.

Arachidonic acid (AA)-derived eicosanoids belong to a complex family of lipid mediators that regulate a wide variety of physiological responses and pathological processes. They are produced by various cell types through distinct enzymatic pathways and act on target cells via specific G-protein-coupled receptors. Although originally recognized for their capacity to elicit biological responses such as vascular homeostasis, protection of the gastric mucosa and platelet aggregation, eicosanoids are now understood to regulate immunopathological processes ranging from inflammatory responses to chronic tissue remodelling, cancer, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disorders. Here, we review the major properties of eicosanoids and their expanding roles in biology and medicine.

New intercellular lipid mediators and their GPCRs: an update.

Intercellular lipid mediators such as prostaglandins and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) interact with their G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) in the plasma membrane to modulate functions of target cells or tissues. Discovery of new members of intercellular lipid mediators and their GPCRs have been milestones in lipid biology and the foundation for drug development. Recent advances in intercellular lipid mediators are very interesting. New lipid molecules have been recognized as intercellular signaling mediators acting on GPCRs including resolvin E1, eoxin, acylethanolamides (arachidnonylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide), fatty acids, bile acids, lipoamino aicd (N-palmitoyl glycine and N-arachidonyl glycine), estrogen, 5-oxo-ETE and 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, among others. Also new GPCRs for LPA have been identified. New intercellular lipid mediators and their GPCRs are reviewed.

The affinity, intrinsic activity and selectivity of a structurally novel EP2 receptor agonist at human prostanoid receptors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prostanoid EP2 receptor agonists exhibit several activities including ocular hypotension, tocolysis and anti-inflammatory activity. This report describes the affinity and selectivity of a structurally novel, non-prostanoid EP2 receptor agonist, PGN-9856, and its therapeutic potential. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The pharmacology of a series of non-prostanoid EP2 receptor agonists was determined according to functional and radioligand binding studies, mostly using human recombinant prostanoid receptor transfectants. The selectivity of PGN-9856, as the preferred compound, was subsequently determined by using a diverse variety of non-prostanoid target proteins. The therapeutic potential of PGN-9856 was addressed by determining its activity in relevant primate cell, tissue and disease models. KEY RESULTS: PGN-9856 was a selective and high affinity (pKi ≥ 8.3) ligand at human recombinant EP2 receptors. In addition to high affinity binding, it was a potent and full EP2 receptor agonist with a high level of selectivity at EP1 , EP3 , EP4 , DP, FP, IP and TP receptors. In cells overexpressing human recombinant EP2 receptors, PGN-9856 displayed a potency (pEC50 ≥ 8.5) and a maximal response (increase in cAMP) comparable to that of the endogenous agonist PGE2 . PGN-9856 exhibited no appreciable affinity (up 10 µM) for a range of 53 other receptors, ion channels and enzymes. Finally, PGN-9856 exhibited tocolytic, anti-inflammatory and long-acting ocular hypotensive properties consistent with its potent EP2 receptor agonist properties. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: PGN-9856 is a potent, selective and efficacious prostanoid EP2 receptor agonist with diverse potential therapeutic applications: tocolytic, anti-inflammatory and notably anti-glaucoma.

Regulation of immune cells by eicosanoid receptors.

Eicosanoids are potent, bioactive, lipid mediators that regulate important components of the immune response, including defense against infection, ischemia, and injury, as well as instigating and perpetuating autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Although these lipids have numerous effects on diverse cell types and organs, a greater understanding of their specific effects on key players of the immune system has been gained in recent years through the characterization of individual eicosanoid receptors, the identification and development of specific receptor agonists and inhibitors, and the generation of mice genetically deficient in various eicosanoid receptors. In this review, we will focus on the receptors for prostaglandin D2, DP1 and DP2/CRTH2; the receptors for leukotriene B4, BLT1 and BLT2; and the receptors for the cysteinyl leukotrienes, CysLT1 and CysLT2, by examining their specific effects on leukocyte subpopulations, and how they may act in concert towards the development of immune and inflammatory responses.

5-Oxo-ETE analogs and the proliferation of cancer cells.

MDA-MB-231, MCF7, and SKOV3 cancer cells, but not HEK-293 cells, expressed mRNA for the leukocyte G protein-coupled 5-oxo-eicosatetraenoate (ETE) OXE receptor. 5-Oxo-ETE, 5-oxo-15-OH-ETE, and 5-HETE stimulated the cancer cell lines but not HEK-293 cells to mount pertussis toxin-sensitive proliferation responses. Their potencies in eliciting this response were similar to their known potencies in activating leukocytes and OXE receptor-transfected cells. However, high concentrations of 5-oxo-ETE and 5-oxo-15-OH-ETE, but not 5-HETE, arrested growth and caused apoptosis in all four cell lines; these responses were pertussis toxin-resistant. The same high concentrations of the oxo-ETEs but again not 5-HETE also activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma. Pharmacological studies indicated that this activation did not mediate their effects on proliferation. These results are the first to implicate the OXE receptor in malignant cell growth and to show that 5-oxo-ETEs activate cell death programs as well as PPARgamma independently of this receptor.

5(S)-Hydroxy-6,8,11,14-E,Z,Z,Z-eicosatetraenoate stimulates PC3 cell signaling and growth by a receptor-dependent mechanism.

5(S)-Hydroxy-6,8,11,14-E,Z,Z,Z-eicosatetraenoate (5-HETE) causes PC3 cells to grow by an unknown mechanism. We find that it also induces the cells to activate extracellular signal-regulated kinases and Akt. Pertussis toxin inhibits both responses. 5-HETE, 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-E,Z,Z,Z-eicosatetraenoate, and 5-oxo-15-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoate are known to stimulate leukocytes by a receptor coupled to pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. Their respective relative potencies in leukocytes are 1, 10, and 3. In PC3 cells, however, these values are 10, 1, and 0. PC3 cells, we propose, express a non-leukocyte-type, G protein-coupled, 5-HETE receptor. This novel receptor and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Akt pathways it recruits may contribute to the progression of prostate adenocarcinoma.

Characterization of prostanoid receptors mediating contraction of the gastric fundus and ileum: studies using mice deficient in prostanoid receptors.

Receptors mediating prostanoid-induced contractions of longitudinal sections of gastric fundus and ileum were characterized by using tissues obtained from mice deficient in each type and subtype of prostanoid receptors. The fundus and ileum from mice deficient in either EP(3) (EP(3)(-/-) mice), EP(1) (EP(1)(-/-) mice) and FP (FP(-/-) mice) all showed decreased contraction to PGE(2) compared to the tissues from wild-type mice, whereas contraction of the fundus slightly increased in EP(4)(-/-) mice. 17-phenyl-PGE(2) also showed decreased contraction of the fundus from EP(3)(-/-), EP(1)(-/-) and FP(-/-) mice. Sulprostone showed decreased contraction of the fundus from EP(3)(-/-) and FP(-/-) mice, and decreased contraction of the ileum to this compound was seen in tissues from EP(3)(-/-), EP(1)(-/-) and FP(-/-) mice. In DP(-/-) mice, sulprostone showed increased contraction. DI-004 and AE-248 caused the small but concentration-dependent contraction of both tissues, and these contractions were abolished in tissues obtained from EP(1)(-/-) and EP(3)(-/-) mice, respectively, but not affected in other mice. Contractions of both fundus and ileum to PGF(2)alpha was absent at lower concentrations (10(-9) to 10(-7) M), and suppressed at higher concentrations (10(-6) to 10(-5) M) of the agonist in the FP(-/-) mice. Suppression of the contractions at the higher PGF(2)alpha concentrations was also seen in the fundus from EP(3)(-/-), EP(1)(-/-) and TP(-/-) mice and in the ileum from EP(3)(-/-) and TP(-/-) mice. Contraction of the fundus to PGD(2) was significantly enhanced in DP(-/-) mice, and contractions of the fundus and ileum to this PG decreased in FP(-/-) and EP(3)(-/-) mice. Contractions of both tissues to I-BOP was absent at 10(-9) to 10(-7) M and much suppressed at higher concentrations in TP(-/-) mice. Slight suppression to this agonist was also observed in the tissues from EP(3)(-/-) mice. PGI(2) induced small relaxation of both tissues from wild-type mice. These relaxation reactions were much potentiated in EP(3)(-/-) mice. On the other hand, significant contraction to PGI(2) was observed in both tissues obtained from IP(-/-) mice. These results show that contractions of the fundus and ileum induced by each prostanoid agonist are mediated by actions of this agonist on multiple types of prostanoid receptors and in some cases modified by its action on relaxant receptors.

Structure-function analyses of eicosanoid receptors. Physiologic and therapeutic implications.

Prostaglandins (PGs) are ubiquitous lipid mediators derived from cyclooxygenase (COX) metabolism of arachidonic acid that exert a broad range of physiologic activities including modulation of inflammation, ovulation, and arterial blood pressure. The physiologic actions of PGs are mediated in part by their interaction with specific G-protein-coupled PG receptors. Eight PG receptors have been cloned, including four for the major COX metabolite, PGE2. The physiologic roles of the PGE2 receptors have been investigated utilizing subtype-selective agonists, localization of receptor mRNA expression, and creation of mice with targeted disruption of PG receptor genes. These analyses have delineated discrete roles for the various PG receptor subtypes. Recent studies on mice lacking the PGE2 EP2 receptor have implicated the PGE2 EP2 receptor subtype in arterial dilatation and salt-sensitive hypertension, and also indicate that this receptor plays a key role in female fertility. The EP2 receptor may thus prove to be a productive target for pharmacological intervention in the treatment of hypertension and infertility.

Cellular activation of thromboxane receptors.

Thromboxane A2 is an abundant and potent product of arachidonic acid metabolism in human platelets. Its clinical importance is highlighted by the efficacy of aspirin, which, due to its irreversible inhibition of the enzyme PGG/H synthase, selects the anucleate platelet as a particular target for extended duration of action. A single thromboxane receptor gene has been identified by southern blot; sequence polymorphism in the gene sequence has been identified. The recombinant receptor is also subject to posttranslational modifications, which may modify its affinity for natural ligands. Pharmacological studies have suggested some heterogeneity among thromboxane receptors. These observations have been rendered more interesting by the discovery of an F prostaglandin isomer, 8-epi-PGF2 alpha, which exerts its biological effects through a thromboxane (or closely related) receptor. This isomer can be generated in a free radical-catalyzed or cyclooxygenase-dependent manner.

The effect of prostaglandins and thromboxane A2 on coronary vessel tone--mechanisms of action and therapeutic implications.

Prostaglandins (PGI2, PGE2, PGF2 alpha) and thromboxane (TX) A2 are vasoactive, cell membrane-derived lipid mediators that are formed in response to stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cells by a variety of chemical agonists. Different receptor subtypes mediate the contractile and relaxing effects of prostaglandins and TXA2 on coronary vascular smooth muscle: a high-affinity (kD: > or = 1 nM) PGH2/TXA2 receptor mediates the contractile actions of TXA2; a low-affinity (kD 100-200 nM) receptor mediates the contractile actions of other prostaglandins ('primary prostaglandin receptor') and a PGI2 receptor (kD > or = 20 nM) mediates vessel relaxation. These receptors are coupled to intracellular signal transduction pathways via different G-proteins and modify muscle tone by control of cytosolic Cai++. Ca(++)- and ATP-dependent K-channels are regulated by PGI2 (opening) and TXA2 (closure) and are involved in the setting of coronary smooth muscle tone. There is experimental and clinical evidence for enhanced local TXA2 levels, an increased number of platelet TXA2 receptors and a reduced number of PGI2 receptors in acute myocardial infarction. There is also experimental evidence for increased synthesis of PGF2 alpha-receptors in vascular smooth muscle that may mediate smooth muscle proliferation. The interference of both TXA2 and PGI2 with K(+)-channels in coronary arteries may have important implications for coronary vasospasm and ischaemia-related cardiac hypoperfusion.

Pulmonary vascular smooth muscle contraction.

The purpose of this study was to determine the response of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle to (1) cellular depolarization (response to KC1), (2) alpha 1-adrenergic receptor stimulation (response to phenylephrine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine), and (3) eicosinoid receptor stimulation (response to prostaglandin F 2 alpha, serotonin, and U46619). Isolated rat pulmonary artery rings were suspended on a fine wire tensiometer in individual organ chambers. After confirming endothelial integrity (response to acetylcholine), dose-response curves were constructed for each vasoactive agonist. The maximal developed tension as well as the dose required to produce 50% of maximal contraction (EC50) was determined for each agonist. The U46619, a stable thromboxane A2 mimetic, and prostaglandin F 2 alpha, (PGF 2 alpha) produced the greatest maximal developed tension in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle. This maximal contraction to U46619 and PGF 2 alpha, was the same as the maximal tension in response to cellular depolarization (KCI). The maximal tension developed to KCI and U46619 was significantly greater than to alpha 1-adrenergic receptor stimulation and serotonin, 5HT. The maximal tension developed to PGF 2 alpha was greater than the developed tension to 5HT. The dose response curves of alpha 1-adrenergic receptor stimulation and U46619 were shifted to the left compared to PGF 2 alpha and 5HT. This study demonstrates that U46619, and PGF 2 alpha produce the greatest maximal developed tension in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle. Furthermore, U46619 has the same potency as alpha 1-adrenergic receptor stimulation, which is significantly greater than 5HT and PGF 2 alpha. These data may be helpful in the delineation of the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension due to adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Studies of synergistic and antagonistic combinations of conventional cytotoxic agents with the multiple eicosanoid pathway modulator LY 293111.

The arachidonic acid metabolic pathway is currently under active investigation as a promoter of malignancy and several molecules have been synthesized to block either the cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase branches. LY 293111 is an oral agent known to be a leukotriene B4 antagonist, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor and a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonist with cytotoxic properties in cell lines. We have studied this agent with classical chemotherapeutic agents in a 72-h culture with cell lines using median-effect analysis as a measure of antagonism or synergy. LY 293111 displays global synergy with the active metabolite of irinotecan, SN-38, in the majority of cell lines, synergistic to additive effects with gemcitabine in bladder cancer cell lines, and synergism with 5'-DFUR (the active metabolite of capecitabine) in two breast cancer and one sarcoma cell line. These effects occur at clinically attainable concentrations. The addition of a proteosome inhibitor to the LY 293111 and SN-38 combination markedly enhanced the cytotoxic effects in the sarcoma cell line. As the toxicity of LY 293111 in man is not hematological, this agent may have a role in combination therapy of selected malignancies.

Histamine and prostanoid receptors on glial cells.

Glial cells in vitro express at least two types (H1 and H2) of histamine receptors and three types (EP, FP, and TP) of prostanoid receptors. The receptors expressed by glial cells differ according to the cell type and source in the brain. Furthermore primary astrocytes of same type derived from the same brain region are composed of heterogeneous subpopulations expressing different subsets of receptors. Fura-2 based Ca2+ microscopy revealed that astrocyte processes are important sites for histamine-induced Ca2+ signalling. Histamine and prostanoid receptors on glial cells may play important roles in the actions of histamine and prostanoids in the central nervous system.