4-Hydroxynonenal enhances CD36 expression on murine macrophages via p38 MAPK-mediated activation of 5-lipoxygenase

Increased levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) coexist in atherosclerotic lesions but their relationship in atherogenesis is unclear. This study investigated the role of 5-LO in HNE-induced CD36 expression and macrophage foam cell formation, and the link between HNE and 5-LO. In J774A.1 murine macrophages, HNE (10 μM) enhanced CD36 expression in association with an increased uptake of oxLDL, which was blunted by inhibition of 5-LO with MK886, a 5-LO inhibitor, or with 5-LO siRNA. In peritoneal macrophages from 5-LO-deficient mice, HNE-induced CD36 expression was markedly attenuated, confirming a pivotal role of 5-LO in HNE-induced CD36 expression. In an assay for 5-LO activity, stimulation of macrophages with HNE led to increased leukotriene B₄ production in the presence of exogenous arachidonic acid in association with an increased association of 5-LO to the nuclear membrane. Among the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways involved in 5-LO phosphorylation, HNE predominantly activated p38 MAPK in macrophages, and the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, but not an extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor, suppressed HNE-induced LTB₄ production. Collectively, these data suggest that p38 MAPK-mediated activation of 5-LO by HNE might enhance CD36 expression, consequently leading to the formation of macrophage foam cells.     

Contributory Role of BLT2 in the Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Sepsis

BLT2 is a low-affinity receptor for leukotriene B₄, a potent lipid mediator of inflammation generated from arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BLT2 plays any role in sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by infection. A murine model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis was used to evaluate the role of BLT2 in septic inflammation. In the present study, we observed that the levels of ligands for BLT2 (LTB₄ [leukotriene B₄] and 12(S)-HETE [12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid]) were significantly increased in the peritoneal lavage fluid and serum from mice with CLP-induced sepsis. We also observed that the levels of BLT2 as well as 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and 12-LO, which are synthesizing enzymes for LTB₄ and 12(S)-HETE, were significantly increased in lung and liver tissues in the CLP mouse model. Blockade of BLT2 markedly suppressed the production of sepsis-associated cytokines (IL-6 [interleukin-6], TNF-α[[tumor necrosis factor alpha], and IL-1β [interleukin-1β] as well as IL-17 [interleukin-17]) and alleviated lung inflammation in the CLP group. Taken together, our results suggest that BLT2 cascade contributes to lung inflammation in CLP-induced sepsis by mediating the production of inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that BLT2 may be a potential therapeutic target for sepsis patients.     

EETs Attenuate Ox-LDL-Induced LTB4 Production and Activity by Inhibiting p38 MAPK Phosphorylation and 5-LO/BLT1 Receptor Expression in Rat Pulmonary Arterial Endothelial Cells

Cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase (EPOX)-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), and leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), the product of 5-LO, all play a pivotal role in the vascular inflammatory process. We have previously shown that EETs can alleviate oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced endothelial inflammation in primary rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells (RPAECs). Here, we investigated whether ox-LDL can promote LTB₄ production through the 5-LO pathway. We further explored how exogenous EETs influence ox-LDL-induced LTB₄ production and activity. We found that treatment with ox-LDL increased the production of LTB₄ and further led to the expression and release of both monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). All of the above ox-LDL-induced changes were attenuated by the presence of 11,12-EET and 14,15-EET, as these molecules inhibited the 5-LO pathway. Furthermore, the LTB₄ receptor 1 (BLT1 receptor) antagonist U75302 attenuated ox-LDL-induced ICAM-1 and MCP-1/CCL2 expression and production, whereas LY255283, a LTB₄ receptor 2 (BLT2 receptor) antagonist, produced no such effects. Moreover, in RPAECs, we demonstrated that the increased expression of 5-LO and BLT1 following ox-LDL treatment resulted from the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Our results indicated that EETs suppress ox-LDL-induced LTB₄ production and subsequent inflammatory responses by downregulating the 5-LO/BLT1 receptor pathway, in which p38 MAPK phosphorylation activates NF-κB. These results suggest that the metabolism of arachidonic acid via the 5-LO and EPOX pathways may present a mutual constraint on the physiological regulation of vascular endothelial cells.     

15(S)-HETE modulates LTB(4) production and neutrophil chemotaxis in chronic bronchitis

We evaluated the levels of15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [15(S)-HETE] and the expression of15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) mRNA in induced sputum obtained from 10 controland 15 chronic bronchitis subjects. 15(S)-HETE was evaluated by reversephase high-performance liquid chromatography separationfollowed by specific RIA. 15-LO mRNA expression was determined byprimed in situ labeling. The levels of both soluble and cell-associated 15(S)-HETE resulted significantly higher in chronic bronchitis than incontrol subjects. The percentage of cells expressing 15-LO mRNA wassignificantly higher in chronic bronchitis than in control subjects(P < 0.01). Double staining for specific cell typemarkers and 15-LO mRNA showed macrophages and neutrophils positive for 15-LO, whereas similar staining of peripheral blood neutrophils did notshow evidence for 15-LO expression, suggesting that expression of 15-LOin neutrophils takes place on migration into the airways. Because15(S)-HETE inversely correlated with the percentage of neutrophils insputum of chronic bronchitis subjects, we studied the effect of15(S)-HETE on leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) productionin vitro and evaluated the concentration of LTB₄ in inducedsputum and the contribution of LTB₄ to the chemotacticactivity of induced sputum samples ex vivo. The results obtainedindicate that macrophages and neutrophils present within the airways ofchronic bronchitis subjects express 15-LO mRNA; increased basal levelsof 15(S)-HETE may contribute to modulate, through the inhibition of5-lipoxygenase metabolites production, neutrophil infiltration andairway inflammation associated with chronic bronchitis.

     

Subcellular localization of leukotriene receptors in human endothelial cells

Leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), a potent chemotactic and immune-modulating mediator, signals via two receptors, BLT₁ and BLT₂. Recently, we reported that BLT₁ is the predominating BLT expressed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and that BLT₁ mediated functions are enhanced by LTB₄ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but not by TNFα. Here, we demonstrate that BLT₁ is found on the outer cell membrane of HUVECs but also in intracellular granules, co-localized with monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and P-selectin, but not with interleukin-8 and von Willebrand factor. Upon stimulation with LTB₄ or LPS, more BLT₁ protein is found, now evenly distributed over the cytoplasm and in the cell nucleus, but less on the cell surface. An MAP kinase inhibitor prevented this enhancement and translocation, suggesting this signaling pathway to be crucial. Thus, BLT₁, a G-protein-coupled 7-transmembrane receptor, is located in various subcellular compartments in endothelial cells, which may have implications for cellular LT dependent responses and target accessibility for BLT₁ antagonists.     

5-Lipoxygenase plays an essential role in 4-HNE-enhanced ROS production in murine macrophages via activation of NADPH oxidase

Abstract

4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) mediates oxidative stress-linked pathological processes; however, its role in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in macrophages is still unclear. Thus, this study investigated the sources and mechanisms of ROS generation in macrophages stimulated with HNE. Exposure of J774A.1 cells to HNE showed an increased production of ROS, which was attenuated by NADPH oxidase as well as 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors. Linked to these results, HNE increased membrane translocation of p47phox promoting NADPH oxidase activity, which was attenuated in peritoneal macrophages from 5-LO-deficient mice as well as in J774A.1 cells treated with a 5-LO inhibitor, MK886 or 5-LO siRNA. In contrast, HNE-enhanced 5-LO activity was not affected by inhibition of NADPH oxidase. Furthermore, leukotriene B₄, 5-LO metabolite, was found to enhance NADPH oxidase activity in macrophages. Altogether, these results suggest that 5-LO plays a critical role in HNE-induced ROS generation in murine macrophages through activation of NADPH oxidase.     

An Enzyme That Inactivates the Inflammatory Mediator Leukotriene B4 Restricts Mycobacterial Infection

While tuberculosis susceptibility has historically been ascribed to failed inflammation, it is now known that an excess of leukotriene A₄ hydrolase (LTA4H), which catalyzes the final step in leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) synthesis, produces a hyperinflammatory state and tuberculosis susceptibility. Here we show that the LTB₄-inactivating enzyme leukotriene B₄ dehydrogenase/prostaglandin reductase 1 (LTB4DH/PTGR1) restricts inflammation and independently confers resistance to tuberculous infection. LTB4DH overexpression counters the susceptibility resulting from LTA4H excess while ltb4dh-deficient animals can be rescued pharmacologically by LTB₄ receptor antagonists. These data place LTB4DH as a key modulator of TB susceptibility and suggest new tuberculosis therapeutic strategies.     

Essential role of leukotriene B4 on Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis killing by human macrophages

Although Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the most prevalent species that cause American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL), the immune response against this parasite has been poorly investigated. Upon activation, macrophages produce a series of pro-inflammatory molecules, including the lipid mediator leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄). LTB₄ has been shown to enhance several macrophage functions, but its role in human macrophages is less known. Here, we investigated the role of LTB₄ on human monocyte-derived macrophages infected with human isolate of L. (V.) braziliensis (IMG3). It was found that human macrophages produce LTB₄ upon infection with Leishmania, which by autocrine or paracrine activation of its high affinity receptor BLT1, potentiates macrophage leishmanicidal activity. This LTB₄ effect is mediated by increased secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, Leishmania infection decreased the expression of BLT1, leading to the speculation that this could represent a parasite escape mechanism to establish a chronic inflammatory infection. Therefore, our data suggest that LTB₄ could be used in therapeutic strategies to control Leishmania infection.     

The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on leukotriene B₄ and leukotriene B₅ production from stimulated neutrophil granulocytes in patients with chronic kidney disease

The proinflammatory leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) may be of importance in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated whether n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decrease LTB₄ and increase the formation of the less inflammatory leukotriene B₅ (LTB₅) in patients with CKD.Fifty-six patients with CKD stage 2-5 were randomised to 2.4 g n-3 PUFA or olive oil for 8 weeks. Compared to controls, n-3 PUFA significantly decreased release of LTB₄ (p<0.001) and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) (p<0.01) and significantly increased release of LTB₅ (p<0.001) and 5-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (5-HEPE) (p<0.001) from stimulated neutrophil granulocytes. Kidney function evaluated by creatinine clearance and proteinuria did not improve. In conclusion, n-3 PUFA supplementation for 8 weeks in patients with CKD stage 2-5 significantly decreased LTB₄ and 5-HETE and significantly increased LTB₅ and 5-HEPE. No effect was seen on kidney function.     

Leukotriene B4 receptors contribute to house dust mite-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation via TH2 cytokine production

Leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) is a lipid mediator of inflammation that is generated from arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. Previous studies have reported that the receptors of LTB₄, BLT1, and BLT2 play mediatory roles in the allergic airway inflammation induced by ovalbumin (OVA). However, considering that house dust mites (HDMs) are the most prevalent allergen and well-known risk factor for asthmatic allergies, we are interested in elucidating the contributory roles of BLT1/2 in HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation. Our aim in this study was to investigate whether BLT1/2 play any roles in HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation. In this study, we observed that the levels of ligands for BLT1/2 [LTB₄ and 12(S)-HETE (12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid)] were significantly increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after HDM challenge. Block-ade of BLT1 or BLT2 as well as of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) or 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) markedly suppressed the production of T_H2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and alleviated lung inflammation and mucus secretion in an HDM-induced eosinophilic airway-inflammation mouse model. Together, these results indicate that the 5-/12-LO-BLT1/2 cascade plays a role in HDM-induced airway inflammation by mediating the production of T_H2 cytokines. Our findings suggest that BLT1/2 may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with HDM-induced allergic asthma.     

The Pivotal Role of 5-Lipoxygenase-Derived LTB4 in Controlling Pulmonary Paracoccidioidomycosis

Leukotrienes (LTs) produced from arachidonic acid by the action of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) are classical mediators of inflammatory responses. However, studies published in the literature regarding these mediators are contradictory and it remains uncertain whether these lipid mediators play a role in host defense against the fungal pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. To determine the involvement of LTs in the host response to pulmonary infection, wild-type and LT-deficient mice by targeted disruption of the 5-lipoxygenase gene (knockout mice) were studied following intratracheal challenge with P. brasiliensis yeasts. The results showed that infection is uniformly fatal in 5-LO-deficient mice and the mechanisms that account for this phenotype are an exacerbated lung injury and higher fungal pulmonary burden. Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of LTs resulted in lower phagocytosis and fungicidal activity of macrophages in vitro, suggesting that deficiency in fungal clearance seems to be secondary to the absence of activation in 5-LO^−/− macrophages. Exogenous LTB₄ restored phagocytosis and fungicidal activity of 5-LO^−/− macrophages. Moreover, P. brasiliensis killing promoted by LTB₄ was dependent on nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages. Taken together, these results reveal a fundamental role for 5-LO-derived LTB₄ in the protective response to P. brasiliensis infection and identify relevant mechanisms for the control of fungal infection during the early stages of the host immune response.     

Effects of tepoxalin, a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase/5-lipoxygenase, on events associated with NSAID-induced gastrointestinal inflammation

Prostaglandins and thromboxanes are products of arachidonic acid metabolism via the cyclooxygenase (CO) enzyme and are responsible for the pain and swelling common to sites of inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the production of these substances and are used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. However, one of the major side-effects of NSAID therapy is gastric ulceration. It is possible that inhibition of prostaglandin production and a related increase in the formation of leukotrienes via the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) enzymatic pathway are responsible for attracting inflammatory cells, causing local sites of inflammation and producing ulceration. To determine the effects of 5-LO inhibition on this hypothesis, studies were performed in rats to evaluate the effects of tepoxalin, a dual CO/LO inhibitor on leukotriene B₄ levels in gastric mucosa and neutrophil adhesion in mesenteric venules. In rats, chronic oral administration of an NSAID, indomethacin (2 mg/kg daily over 4 days), resulted in 40% mortality, accompanied by intestinal adhesions and perforations when evaluated 24 h after the fourth dose of drug. Additionally, neutrophil adhesion was increased in the mesenteric venules and cell infiltration was evident in the mesenteric interstitium. These gastrointestinal side-effects were inhibited in a separate group of rats administered tepoxalin (20 mg/kg, p.o) 30 min prior to each daily indomethacin treatment. Further studies were performed to determine tepoxalin's effects on early events associated with NSAID-induced gastrointestinal inflammation, including neutrophil adhesion, lipid peroxide generation and LTB₄ production. Indomethacin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) produced elevated levels of LTB₄ in rat gastric mucosa 90 min after administration. Additionally, neutrophil adhesion in mesenteric venules was increased at this dose and with the administration of another NSAID, naproxen. No generation of lipid peroxides was evident in the gastric mucosa at this timepoint. Tepoxalin (up to 400 mg/kg, p.o.) did not have an effects on gastric mucosal LTB₄ generation and lipid peroxide levels. A decrease in neutrophil adhesion was observed at the highest dose. In another study, pretreatment with tepoxalin (ED₅₀=7.5 mg/kg, p.o.) or the selective 5-LO inhibitor zileuton (100 mg/kg, p.o.) prevented the increases in gastric mucosal LTB₄ levels and neutrophil adhesion induced by indomethacin (100 mg/kg, p.o.). These data suggest that LO inhibition may play a vital role in the prevention of NSAID-induced gastric inflammation, providing insight into the lack of ulcerogenicity with tepoxalin and new approaches to anti-inflammatory therapy which may prevent gastric side effects.     

Leukotriene receptors are differently expressed in fibroblast from peripheral versus central airways in asthmatics and healthy controls

Leukotrienes are involved in airway inflammation, and are believed to stimulate airway remodeling in asthma. The aim of the project was to investigate the expression of leukotriene receptors in peripheral and central airway fibroblasts.Peripheral and central airway fibroblasts, from asthmatics and healthy controls, were investigated for the amount of cysteinyl-leukotriene receptors (CysLT₁ and CysLT₂), leukotriene B₄ receptors (BLT₁ and BLT₂), IL-13 receptor-α₁ (IL-13Rα₁) and the IL-4 receptor (IL-4R).The mRNA expression of CysLT₁ in fibroblasts from peripheral airways was higher compared to central airways. There was no difference in CysLT₂ between peripheral and central airways. On the contrary, BLT₁ and BLT₂ were lower in fibroblasts from peripheral airways compared to central. The expression of CysLT₁ was higher than CysLT₂ in fibroblasts from peripheral airways, and the expression of BLT₁ was higher than BLT₂ in both peripheral and central airways. Both BLT₁ and BLT₂ were higher in asthmatics compared to healthy controls, while CysLT₁ and CysLT₂ did not differ. The expression of IL-13Rα₁ was higher in asthmatics compared to controls, and correlated to the BLTs. All fibroblasts stained for the different receptor proteins.Leukotriene receptors are differently expressed in fibroblasts from peripheral compared to central airways, which may explain a suggested cysteinyl-leukotriene driven remodeling mainly in the peripheral airways.     

The shunt from the cyclooxygenase to lipoxygenase pathway in human osteoarthritic subchondral osteoblasts is linked with a variable expression of the 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by articular cartilage degradation and hypertrophic bone changes with osteophyte formation and abnormal bone remodeling. Two groups of OA patients were identified via the production of variable and opposite levels of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) or leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) by subchondral osteoblasts, PGE₂ levels discriminating between low and high subgroups. We studied whether the expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) or 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP) is responsible for the shunt from prostaglandins to leukotrienes. FLAP mRNA levels varied in low and high OA groups compared with normal, whereas mRNA levels of 5-LO were similar in all osteoblasts. Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) with NS-398-stimulated FLAP expression in the high OA osteoblasts subgroup, whereas it was without effect in the low OA osteoblasts subgroup. The addition of PGE₂ to the low OA osteoblasts subgroup decreased FLAP expression but failed to affect it in the high OA osteoblasts subgroup. LTB₄ levels in OA osteoblasts were stimulated about twofold by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) plus transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a situation corresponding to their effect on FLAP mRNA levels. Treatments with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and TGF-β also modulated PGE₂ production. TGF-β stimulated PGE₂ production in both OA osteoblast groups, whereas 1,25(OH)₂D₃ alone had a limited effect but decreased the effect of TGF-β in the low OA osteoblasts subgroup. This modulation of PGE₂ production was mirrored by the synthesis of COX-2. IL-18 levels were only slightly increased in a subgroup of OA osteoblasts compared with normal; however, no relationship was observed overall between IL-18 and PGE₂ levels in normal and OA osteoblasts. These results suggest that the shunt from the production of PGE₂ to LTB₄ is through regulation of the expression of FLAP, not 5-LO, in OA osteoblasts. The expression of FLAP in OA osteoblasts is also modulated differently by 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and TGF-β depending on their endogenous low and high PGE₂ levels.     

Opposite Cross-Talk by Oleate and Palmitate on Insulin Signaling in Hepatocytes through Macrophage Activation

Chronic low grade inflammation in adipose tissue during obesity is associated with an impairment of the insulin signaling cascade. In this study, we have evaluated the impact of palmitate or oleate overload of macrophage/Kupffer cells in triggering stress-mediated signaling pathways, in lipoapoptosis, and in the cross-talk with insulin signaling in hepatocytes. RAW 264.7 macrophages or Kupffer cells were stimulated with oleate or palmitate, and levels of M1/M2 polarization markers and the lipidomic profile of eicosanoids were analyzed. Whereas proinflammatory cytokines and total eicosanoids were elevated in macrophages/Kupffer cells stimulated with palmitate, enhanced arginase 1 and lower leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) levels were detected in macrophages stimulated with oleate. When hepatocytes were pretreated with conditioned medium (CM) from RAW 264.7 or Kupffer cells loaded with palmitate (CM-P), phosphorylation of stress kinases and endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling was increased, insulin signaling was impaired, and lipoapoptosis was detected. Conversely, enhanced insulin receptor-mediated signaling and reduced levels of the phosphatases protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were found in hepatocytes treated with CM from macrophages stimulated with oleate (CM-O). Supplementation of CM-O with LTB₄ suppressed insulin sensitization and increased PTP1B and PTEN. Furthermore, LTB₄ decreased insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation in hepatocytes, activated the NFκB pathway, and up-regulated PTP1B and PTEN, these effects being mediated by LTB₄ receptor BTL1. In conclusion, oleate and palmitate elicit an opposite cross-talk between macrophages/Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. Whereas CM-P interferes at the early steps of insulin signaling, CM-O increases insulin sensitization, possibly by reducing LTB₄.     

Leukotriene B4 biosynthesis by alveolar macrophages

Resting alveolar macrophages in culture synthesized small amount of leukotriene B₄. This synthesis was increased 2.5 fold following phagocytic stimulation by zymosan, and was increased 12.6 fold after stimulation with calcium and calcium ionophore A23187. The leukotriene B₄ synthesis could be completely inhibited by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (10^?5M). Phorbol myristate acetate, a membrane perturbant, has no effect on leukotriene B₄ production by macrophages.     

Eicosanoid pathway on host resistance and inflammation during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is comprised by LTB4 reduction but not PGE2 increment

The functions of eicosanoids, a family of potent biologically active lipid mediators, are not restricted to inflammatory responses and they also act as mediators of the pathogenesis process. However, the role of eicosanoids in tuberculosis remains controversial. To investigate the specific role of LTB₄ in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, we used 5-lipoxygenase-deficient (5-LO^−/−) mice and WT (sv129) mice inoculated intranasally with LTB₄ (encapsulated in PLGA microspheres). We showed that deficiency of the 5-LO pathway was related to resistance to Mtb infection. LTB₄ inoculation increased susceptibility to Mtb in 5-LO^−/− mice but not in WT mice, resulting in worsening of lung inflammation and tissue damage. In infected WT mice, most supplementary LTB₄ was metabolized to the inactive form 12-oxo-LTB₄ in the lung. A high amount of PGE₂ was detected during Mtb infection, and pharmacological inhibition of COX-2 induced a significant reduction of bacterial load and an improved innate immune response in the lungs, independently of baseline LTB₄ levels. COX-2 inhibition with celecoxib significantly reduced PGE₂ levels, enhanced IFN-γ production and NO release, and increased macrophage phagocytosis of Mtb. The results suggest that a balance between PGE₂/LTB₄ is essential in the pathogenesis process of tuberculosis to prevent severe inflammation. Moreover, optimal levels of PGE₂ are required to induce an effective innate response in the early phase of Mtb infection. Thus, pharmacological modulation of eicosanoid production may provide an important host-directed therapy in tuberculosis.     

Effect of 6,9-deepoxy-6,9-(phenylimino)-delta 6,8-prostaglandin 1(1) (U-60,257), an inhibitor of leukotriene synthesis, on human neutrophil function

A23187, a calcium ionophore, stimulated a time-dependent generation of 5(S), 12(R)-dihydroxy-6,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (leukotriene B₄), production of superoxide anion (O₂^?) and release of granule-associated β-glucuronidase and lysozyme by human neutrophils. Leukotriene B₄ also elicited the selective release of granule enzymes from cytochalasin B-treated neutrophils. U-60,257, a recently identified inhibitor of leukotriene (LT) C₄ and D₄ synthesis, caused a dose-related (1–10 μM) suppression of LTB₄ production by A23187-activated neutrophils. Degranulation and O₂^? generation by neutrophils exposed to A23187 and the chemotactic oligopeptide, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), were also inhibited with U-60,257.