Inhibition of lipoxygenase activity and HL60 leukemic cell proliferation by ursolic acid isolated from heather flowers (Calluna vulgaris).

A compound was isolated and purified from heather flowers (Calluna vulgaris) based on its ability to inhibit lipoxygenase activity. This molecule was characterized as ursolic acid by GC-MS. Ursolic acid was found to be an inhibitor of both potato tuber 5-lipoxygenase and soybean 15-lipoxygenase with IC50 values of 0.3 mM. Ursolic acid also inhibits lipoxygenase activity in mouse peritoneal macrophages at 1 microM and HL60 leukemic cells growth (IC50 = 0.85 microM) as well as their DNA synthesis (IC50 = 1 microM). The possible role of lipoxygenase inhibition in the proliferation of leukemic cells is discussed.     

Polyphenols of cocoa: inhibition of mammalian 15-lipoxygenase

Some cocoas and chocolates are rich in (-)-epicatechin and its related oligomers, the procyanidins. Fractions of these compounds, isolated from the seeds of Theobroma cacao, caused dose-dependent inhibition of isolated rabbit 15-lipoxygenase-1 with the larger oligomers being more active; the decamer fraction revealed an IC50 of 0.8 microM. Among the monomeric flavanols, epigallocatechin gallate (IC50 = 4 microM) and epicatechin gallate (5 microM) were more potent than (-)-epicatechin (IC50 = 60 microM). (-)-Epicatechin and procyanidin nonamer also inhibited the formation of 15-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid from arachidonic acid in rabbit smooth muscle cells transfected with human 15-lipoxygenase-1. In contrast, inhibition of the lipoxygenase pathway in J774A.1 cells transfected with porcine leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase (another representative of the 12/15-lipoxygenase family) was only observed upon sonication of the cells, suggesting a membrane barrier for flavanols in these cells. Moreover, epicatechin (IC50 approx. 15 microM) and the procyanidin decamer inhibited recombinant human platelet 12-lipoxygenase. These observations suggest general lipoxygenase-inhibitory potency of flavanols and procyanidins that may contribute to their putative beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system in man. Thus, they may provide a plausible explanation for recent literature reports indicating that procyanidins decrease the leukotriene/prostacyclin ratio in humans and human aortic endothelial cells.     

Modulation of rat polymorphonuclear leukocyte 5-lipoxygenase activity by 5-HPETE and NADH-dependent flavin inhibition

The effect of nicotinamide and flavin coenzymes on the 5-lipoxygenase activity has been determined in cell-free extracts from rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes. 5-lipoxygenase was assayed in the presence of 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HPETE), which caused a 3 to 4-fold stimulation in the maximal conversion of radiolabeled arachidonic acid to 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) and 5,12-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5,12-di-HETE). Addition of FMN or FAD to the assay mixture had little effect on the 5-lipoxygenase activity and caused inhibition only at high concentrations (IC50 greater than 100 microM). NADH markedly potentiated the inhibition of lipoxygenase by flavins with a 100-fold decrease in the FMN concentration required to inhibit the enzyme (IC50 approximately equal to 2 microM). Similar effects were observed for FAD although this flavin derivative was slightly less potent than FMN (IC50 congruent to 10 microM). NADH could be substituted by NADPH but not by NAD or NADP, indicating that the inhibition was not due to the production of the oxidized forms of these co-factors. These results show that the 5-lipoxygenase activity is stimulated by 5-HPETE and inhibited by flavin-dependent redox transformations.     

Studies of the inhibitory activity of MK-0591 (3-[1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-(t-butylthio)-5-(quinolin-2-yl-methoxy)-indol- 2-yl]-2,2-dimethyl propanoic acid) on arachidonic acid metabolism in human phagocytes.

We have investigated the inhibitory activity of compound MK-0591 (3-[1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-(t-butylthio)-5-(quinolin-2-yl-methoxy)-i ndol-2- yl]-2,2-dimethyl propanoic acid) on 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) product synthesis in various human phagocytes stimulated with either the ionophore A23187, opsonized zymosan (OPZ), platelet-activating factor (PAF), or formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). The lipoxygenase products were analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC. MK-0591 inhibited the formation of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, leukotriene (LT) B4, its omega-oxidation products, and 6-trans-isomers with IC50 values of 2.8-4.8 nM in A23187-stimulated neutrophils. In these conditions, arachidonic acid at a concentration of 10 microM had no effect on MK-0591 inhibitory activity. In neutrophils stimulated with OPZ, the synthesis of LTB4, its omega-oxidation products, and 6-trans-isomers was inhibited with IC50 values of 9.5-11.0 nM. MK-0591 inhibited 5-LO product synthesis in A23187-stimulated blood monocytes, eosinophils, and alveolar macrophages with IC50 values of 0.3-0.9, 3.7-5.3, and 8.5-17.3 nM, respectively. In neutrophils primed with granulocyte--macrophage colony-stimulating factor and stimulated with PAF, lipoxygenase product synthesis was inhibited with IC50 values of 7.7-8.7 nM. At the concentration of 1 microM, MK-0591 had no inhibitory effect on 15-lipoxygenase activity in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, nor on human platelet 12-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase. In conclusion, MK-0591 is a very potent and specific inhibitor of 5-LO product synthesis in various types of human phagocytes.     

15-Lipoxygenation of leukotriene A(4). Studies Of 12- and 15-lipoxygenase efficiency to catalyze lipoxin formation

The unstable epoxide leukotriene (LT) A(4) is a key intermediate in leukotriene biosynthesis, but may also be transformed to lipoxins via a second lipoxygenation at C-15. The capacity of various 12- and 15-lipoxygenases, including porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase, a human recombinant platelet 12-lipoxygenase preparation, human platelet cytosolic fraction, rabbit reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase, soybean 15-lipoxygenase and human eosinophil cytosolic fraction, to catalyze conversion of LTA(4) to lipoxins was investigated and standardized against the ability of the enzymes to transform arachidonic acid to 12- or 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE), respectively. The highest ratio between the capacity to produce lipoxins and HETE (LX/HETE ratio) was obtained for porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase with an LX/HETE ratio of 0.3. In addition, the human platelet 100000xg supernatant 12-lipoxygenase preparation and the human platelet recombinant 12-lipoxygenase and human eosinophil 100000xg supernatant 15-lipoxygenase preparation possessed considerable capacity to produce lipoxins (ratio 0.07, 0.01 and 0.02 respectively). In contrast, lipoxin formation by the rabbit reticulocyte and soybean 15-lipoxygenases was much less pronounced (LX/HETE ratios <0.002). Kinetic studies of the human lipoxygenases revealed lower apparent K(m) for LTA(4) (9-27 microM), as compared to the other lipoxygenases tested (58-83 microM). The recombinant human 12-lipoxygenase demonstrated the lowest K(m) value for LTA(4) (9 microM) whereas the porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase had the highest V(max). The profile of products was identical, irrespective of the lipoxygenase used. Thus, LXA(4) and 6S-LXA(4) together with the all-trans LXA(4) and LXB(4) isomers were isolated. Production of LXB(4) was not observed with any of the lipoxygenases. The lipoxygenase inhibitor cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-alpha-cyanocinnamate was considerably more efficient to inhibit conversion of LTA(4) to lipoxins, as compared to the inhibitory effect on 12-HETE formation from arachidonic acid (IC(50) 1 and 50 microM, respectively) in the human platelet cytosolic fraction.     

Effect of catechol derivatives on cell growth and lipoxygenase activity

Derivatives of salicylic acid have been synthesized as potential lipoxygenase inhibitors. Agents containing a phenolic dihydroxy moiety showed potent (IC(50)10(-6)-10(-7) M) inhibition of the growth of murine colonic tumour cells in vitro, and were effective inhibitors of 5-, 12- and 15-lipoxygenase in intact cells. The catechols were also potent inhibitors of rabbit reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase (IC(50) approximately 1 microM).     

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenases with reference to their selective inhibitors

Lipoxygenase is a dioxygenase recognizing a 1-cis,4-cis-pentadiene of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The enzyme oxygenates various carbon atoms of arachidonic acid as a substrate and produces 5-, 8-, 12- or 15-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid with a conjugated diene chromophore. The enzyme is referred to as 5-, 8-, 12- or 15-lipoxygenase, respectively. Earlier we found two isoforms of 12-lipoxygenase, leukocyte- and platelet-type enzymes, which were distinguished by substrate specificity, catalytic activity, primary structure, gene intron size, and antigenicity. Recently, the epidermis-type enzyme was found as the third isoform. Attempts have been made to find isozyme-specific inhibitors of 12-lipoxygenase, and earlier we found hinokitiol, a tropolone, as a potent inhibitor selective for the platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase. More recently, we tested various catechins of tea leaves and found that (-)-gallocatechin gallate was a potent and selective inhibitor of human platelet 12-lipoxygenase with an IC50 of 0.14 microM. The compound was much less active with 12-lipoxygenase of leukocyte-type, 15-, 8-, and 5-lipoxygenases, and cyclooxygenases-1 and -2.     

Dihydrolipoic acid inhibits 15-lipoxygenase-dependent lipid peroxidation

The potential antioxidant effects of the hydrophobic therapeutic agent lipoic acid (LA) and of its reduced form dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) on the peroxidation of either linoleic acid or human non-HDL fraction catalyzed by soybean 15-lipoxygenase (SLO) and rabbit reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase (RR15-LOX) were investigated. DHLA, but not LA, did inhibit SLO-dependent lipid peroxidation, showing an IC(50) of 15 microM with linoleic acid and 5 microM with the non-HDL fraction. In specific experiments performed with linoleic acid, inhibition of SLO activity by DHLA was irreversible and of a complete, noncompetitive type. In comparison with DHLA, the well-known lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid and the nonspecific iron reductant sodium dithionite inhibited SLO-dependent linoleic acid peroxidation with an IC(50) of 4 and 100 microM, respectively, while the hydrophilic thiol N-acetylcysteine, albeit possessing iron-reducing and radical-scavenging properties, was ineffective. Remarkably, DHLA, but not LA, was also able to inhibit the peroxidation of linoleic acid and of the non-HDL fraction catalyzed by RR15-LOX with an IC(50) of, respectively, 10 and 5 microM. Finally, DHLA, but once again not LA, could readily reduce simple ferric ions and scavenge efficiently the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycrylhydrazyl in ethanol; DHLA was considerably less effective against 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-mediated, peroxyl radical-induced non-HDL peroxidation, showing an IC(50) of 850 microM. Thus, DHLA, at therapeutically relevant concentrations, can counteract 15-lipoxygenase-dependent lipid peroxidation; this antioxidant effect may stem primarily from reduction of the active ferric 15-lipoxygenase form to the inactive ferrous state after DHLA-enzyme hydrophobic interaction and, possibly, from scavenging of fatty acid peroxyl radicals formed during lipoperoxidative processes. Inhibition of 15-lipoxygenase oxidative activity by DHLA could occur in the clinical setting, eventually resulting in specific antioxidant and antiatherogenic effects.     

6,7,4'-Trihydroxyisoflavan: a potent and selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase in human and porcine peripheral blood leukocytes

The effect of 6,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavan on human platelet 12-lipoxygenase and human and porcine PMNL 5-lipoxygenase activities has been studied. 6,7,4'-Trihydroxyisoflavan was found to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase more strongly than 12-lipoxygenase; its concentration for 50% inhibition (IC50) was 1.6 microM for human and porcine 5-lipoxygenase and 22 microM for human platelet 12-lipoxygenase. Inhibition of microsomal cyclooxygenase from ram seminal vesicles is exhibited at much higher concentrations of 6,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavan (IC50 = 200 microM).     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1,3-diphenylprop-2-yn-1-ones as dual inhibitors of cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases

A new class of 1,3-diphenylprop-2-yn-1-ones possessing a p-MeSO2 COX-2 phamacophore on the C-3 phenyl ring was designed for evaluation as dual inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). Among the group of compounds evaluated, 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)prop-2-yn-1-one (11j) exhibited excellent COX-2 inhibitory potency (COX-2 IC50 = 0.1 microM) and selectivity (SI = 300), whereas 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)prop-2-yn-1-one (11d) exhibited an optimal combination of COX and LOX inhibition (COX-2 IC50 = 1.0 microM; COX-2 SI = 31.5; 5-LOX IC50 = 1.0 microM; 15-LOX IC50 = 3.2 microM).     

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of N-acetyl-2-(or 3-)carboxymethylbenzenesulfonamides as cyclooxygenase isozyme inhibitors

A group of N-acetyl-2-(or 3-)carboxymethylbenzenesulfonamides, possessing either a F or a substituted-phenyl ring substituent (4-F, 2,4-F2, 4-SO2Me, 4-OCHMe2) attached to its C-4 or C-6 position, was prepared using a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling reaction for evaluation as selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. Although N-acetyl-3-carboxymethyl-6-fluorobenzenesulfonamide [14, COX-1 IC50 = 2.26 microM; COX-2 IC50 = 0.012 microM; COX-2 selectivity index (SI) = 188] and N-acetyl-3-carboxymethyl-6-(4-isopropoxyphenyl)benzenesulfonamide (20c, COX-1 IC50 >100 microM; COX-2 IC50 = 0.15 microM; COX-2 SI >667) exhibited potent in vitro COX-2 inhibitory activity and high COX-2 selectivity, both compounds were inactive anti-inflammatory agents in a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay. In contrast, the less potent and less selective COX-2 inhibitors N-acetyl-2-carboxymethyl-4-fluorobenzenesulfonamide (12, COX-1 IC50 = 4.25 microM; COX-2 IC50 = 0.978 microM; COX-2 SI = 4.3), N-acetyl-2-carboxymethyl-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)benzenesulfonamide (17c, COX-1 IC50 = 1.02 microM; COX-2 IC50 = 1.00 microM; COX-2 SI = 1.02), and N-acetyl-3-carboxymethyl-6-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)benzenesulfonamide (20e, COX-1 IC50 = 0.109 microM; COX-2 IC50 = 1.14 microM; COX-2 SI = 0.095) exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity where a 75 mg/kg oral dose reduced inflammation 26%, 14%, and 20%, respectively, at 3 h postdrug administration relative to the reference drug aspirin where a 50 mg/kg oral dose reduced inflammation by 25% at 3 h postdrug administration.     

Inhibition of platelet arachidonic acid 12-lipoxygenase by acetylenic acid compounds

Eighteen acetylenic fatty acids were tested as inhibitors of human platelet arachidonic acid 12-lipoxygenase. 4,7,10,13-Eicosatetraynoic (4,7,10,13-ETYA) acid emerged as the most potent compound. Additional experiments have shown that 4,7,10,13-ETYA selectively blocked the 12-lipoxygenase in washed human platelets with lesser activity against the cyclooxygenase. The ID50 value for lipoxygenase was 7.8 microM in comparison with an ID50 of 100 microM for the cyclooxygenase. The commonly used inhibitor 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid inhibited both enzymes with equal potency. It appears that 4,7,10,13-ETYA may be a valuable lead for selective modulation of the 12-lipoxygenase pathway in platelet or other target tissues.     

Discovery of a Novel Dual Fungal CYP51/Human 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor: Implications for Anti-Fungal Therapy

We report the discovery of a novel dual inhibitor targeting fungal sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51 or Erg11) and human 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) with improved potency against 5-LOX due to its reduction of the iron center by its phenylenediamine core. A series of potent 5-LOX inhibitors containing a phenylenediamine core, were synthesized that exhibit nanomolar potency and >30-fold selectivity against the LOX paralogs, platelet-type 12-human lipoxygenase, reticulocyte 15-human lipoxygenase type-1, and epithelial 15-human lipoxygenase type-2, and >100-fold selectivity against ovine cyclooxygenase-1 and human cyclooxygnease-2. The phenylenediamine core was then translated into the structure of ketoconazole, a highly effective anti-fungal medication for seborrheic dermatitis, to generate a novel compound, ketaminazole. Ketaminazole was found to be a potent dual inhibitor against human 5-LOX (IC₅₀ = 700 nM) and CYP51 (IC₅₀ = 43 nM) in vitro. It was tested in whole blood and found to down-regulate LTB4 synthesis, displaying 45% inhibition at 10 µM. In addition, ketaminazole selectively inhibited yeast CYP51 relative to human CYP51 by 17-fold, which is greater selectivity than that of ketoconazole and could confer a therapeutic advantage. This novel dual anti-fungal/anti-inflammatory inhibitor could potentially have therapeutic uses against fungal infections that have an anti-inflammatory component.     

Inhibition of lipoxygenase by soy isoflavones: evidence of isoflavones as redox inhibitors

Hydroperoxides, the products of lipoxygenase mediated pathways, play a major role in the manifestation of chronic inflammatory diseases. Soy isoflavones act as antioxidants due to their ability to scavenge free radicals. Isoflavones inhibit the activity of soy lipoxygenase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase, from human polymorph nuclear lymphocyte in a concentration dependent manner. Spectroscopic and enzyme kinetic measurements have helped to understand the nature and mechanism of inhibition. Genistein is the most effective inhibitor of soy lipoxygenase 1 and 5-lipoxygenase with IC(50) values of 107 and 125 microM, respectively. Genistein and daidzein are noncompetitive inhibitors of soy lipoxygenase 1 with inhibition constants, K(i), of 60 and 80 microM, respectively. Electron paramagnetic resonance and spectroscopic studies confirm that isoflavones reduce active state iron to ferrous state and prevent the activation of the resting enzyme. A model for the inhibition of lipoxygenase by isoflavones is suggested.     

Dihydroxydocosahexaenoic acids of the neuroprotectin D family: synthesis, structure, and inhibition of human 5-lipoxygenase

During aerobic oxidation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), soybean lipoxygenase (sLOX) has been shown to form 7,17(S)-dihydro(pero)xydocosahexaenoic acid [7,17(S)-diH(P)DHA] along with its previously described positional isomer, 10,17(S)-dihydro(pero)xydocosahexa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-enoic acid. 7,17(S)-diH(P)DHA was also obtained via sLOX-catalyzed oxidation of either 17(S)-hydroperoxydocosahexaenoic acid [17(S)-HPDHA] or 17(S)-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid [17(S)-HDHA]. The structures of the products were elucidated by normal-phase, reverse-phase, and chiral-phase HPLC analyses and by ultraviolet, NMR, and tandem mass spectroscopy and GC-MS. 7,17(S)-diH(P)DHA was shown to have 4Z,8E,10Z,13Z,15E,19Z geometry of the double bonds. In addition, a compound apparently identical to the sLOX-derived 7,17(S)-diH(P)DHA was produced by another enzyme, potato tuber LOX, in the reactions of oxygenation of either 17(S)-HPDHA or 17(S)-HDHA. All of the dihydroxydocosahexaenoic acids (diHDHAs) formed by either of the enzymes were clearly produced through double lipoxygenation of the corresponding substrate. 7,17(S)-diHDHA inhibited human recombinant 5-lipoxygenase in the reaction of arachidonic acid (AA) oxidation. In standard conditions with 100 microM AA as substrate, the IC(50) value for 7,17(S)-diHDHA was found to be 7 microM, whereas IC(50) for 10,17(S)-DiHDHA was 15 microM. Similar inhibition by the diHDHAs was observed with sLOX, a quintessential 15LOX, although the strongest inhibition was produced by 10,17(S)-diHDHA (IC(50) = 4 microM). Inhibition of sLOX by 7,17(S)-diHDHA was slightly less potent, with an IC(50) value of 9 microM. These findings suggest that 7,17(S)-diHDHA along with its 10,17(S) counterpart might have anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, which could be exerted, at least in part, through direct inhibition of 5LOX and 15LOX.     

Characterization of CGS 8515 as a selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor using in vitro and in vivo models

CGS 8515 inhibited 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) and leukotriene B4 synthesis in guinea pig leukocytes (IC50 = 0.1 microM). The compound did not appreciably affect cyclooxygenase (sheep seminal vesicles), 12-lipoxygenase (human platelets), 15-lipoxygenase (human leukocytes) and thromboxane synthetase (human platelets) at concentrations up to 100 microM. CGS 8515 inhibited A23187-induced formation of leukotriene products in whole blood (IC50 values of 0.8 and 4 microM, respectively, for human and rat) and in isolated rat lung (IC50 less than 1 microM) in vitro. The selectivity of the compound as a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor was confirmed in rat whole blood by the 20-70-fold separation of inhibitory effects on the formation of leukotriene from prostaglandin products. Ex vivo and in vivo studies with rats showed that CGS 8515, at an oral dose of 2-50 mg/kg, significantly inhibited A23187-induced production of leukotrienes in whole blood and in the lung. The effect persisted for at least 6 h in the ex vivo whole blood model. CGS 8515, at oral doses as low as 5 mg/kg, significantly suppressed exudate volume and leukocyte migration in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy and sponge models in the rat. Inhibitory effects of the compound on inflammatory responses and leukotriene production in leukocytes and target organs are important parameters suggestive of its therapeutic potential in asthma, psoriasis and inflammatory conditions.     

Inhibitors of platelet lipoxygenase from Ponkan fruit

An activity-guided separation for inhibitors of rat platelet 12-lipoxygenase led to the isolation of two compounds, 4-O-feruloyl-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (IC50; 5.5 microM) and methyl 4-O-feruloyl-5-O-caffeoylquinate (IC50; 1.9 microM) from the peel of Ponkan fruit (Citrus reticulata). The complete structure of each phenolic ester was determined by NMR spectroscopy [1H and 13C NMR spectra, 1H-1H correlation spectroscopy (COSY), 1H-detected heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC), and heteronuclear multiple bond connectivity (HMBC) spectroscopies] and other spectral methods.     

Activation of a 15-lipoxygenase/leukotriene pathway in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes by the anti-inflammatory agent ibuprofen

Human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) metabolized [14C]arachidonic acid predominantly by lipoxygenase pathways. The major products were 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) and 15-HETE. These and other lipoxygenase products, including their derived leukotrienes, have been implicated as mediators of inflammatory and allergic reactions. In human platelets, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen inhibited production of the cyclooxygenase product thromboxane B2 (I50 = 65 microM), whereas the lipoxygenase product 12-HETE was not appreciably affected even at 5 mM ibuprofen. The 5-lipoxygenase of human PMNs (measured by 5-HETE formation) was inhibited by ibuprofen but was about six times less sensitive (I50 = 420 microM) than the platelet cyclooxygenase. The unexpected observation was made that the human PMN 15-lipoxygenase/leukotriene pathway was selectively activated by 1-5 mM ibuprofen. Metabolites were identified by ultraviolet spectroscopy, by radioimmunoassay, or by retention times on high pressure liquid chromatography in comparison with authentic standards. The major product was 15-HETE; and in all of 19 donors tested, 15-HETE formation was stimulated up to 20-fold by 5 mM ibuprofen. Other identified products included 12-HETE and 15- and 12-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Activation of the 15-lipoxygenase by ibuprofen occurred within 1 min and was readily reversible. The effects of aspirin, indomethacin, and ibuprofen on the PMN 15-lipoxygenase were compared in six donors. Ibuprofen produced an average 9-fold stimulation of the enzyme, whereas aspirin and indomethacin resulted in an average 1.5- and 2-fold enhancement, respectively.     

Anti-proliferative lichen compounds with inhibitory activity on 12(S)-HETE production in human platelets

Several lichen compounds, i.e. lobaric acid (1), a β-orcinol depsidone from Stereocaulon alpinum L., (+)-protolichesterinic acid (2), an aliphatic -methylene-γ-lactone from Cetraria islandica Laur. (Parmeliaceae), (+)-usnic acid (3), a dibenzofuran from Cladonia arbuscula (Wallr.) Rabenh. (Cladoniaceae), parietin (4), an anthraquinone from Xanthoria elegans (Link) Th. Fr. (Calaplacaceae) and baeomycesic acid (5), a β-orcinol depside isolated from Thamnolia vermicularis (Sw.) Schaer. var. subuliformis (Ehrh.) Schaer. were tested for inhibitory activity on platelet-type 12(S)-lipoxygenase using a cell-based in vitro system in human platelets. Lobaric acid (1) and (+)-protolichesterinic acid (2) proved to be pronounced inhibitors of platelet-type 12(S)-lipoxygenase, whereas baeomycesic acid (5) showed only weak activity (inhibitory activity at a concentration of 100 μg/ml: 1 93.4±6.62%, 2 98,5±1.19%, 5 14.7±2.76%). Usnic acid (3) and parietin (4) were not active at this concentration. 1 and 2 showed a clear dose–response relationship in the range of 3.33–100 μg/ml. According to the calculated IC₅₀ values the highest inhibitory activity was observed for the depsidone 1 (IC₅₀=28.5 μM) followed by 2 (IC₅₀=77.0 μM). The activity of 1 was comparable to that of the flavone baicalein, which is known as a selective 12(S)-lipoxygenase inhibitor (IC₅₀=24.6 μM).     

Arachidonic and linoleic acid metabolism in mouse intestinal tissue: evidence for novel lipoxygenase activity.

Previous studies in our laboratory revealed a high expression of 15-lipoxygenase-1 in human colorectal carcinomas, suggesting the importance of lipoxygenase in colorectal tumor development. In this report, we have investigated the metabolism of arachidonic and linoleic acid by intestinal tissues of Min mice, an animal model for intestinal neoplasia. The polyp and normal tissues from Min mice intestine were homogenized, incubated with arachidonic or linoleic acid, and analyzed by reverse-, straight-, and chiral-phase HPLC. Arachidonic acid was converted to prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha. Little 12- or 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid was detected. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 was detected in polyps and the adjacent normal tissues by Western immunoblotting, but neither COX-1 nor leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase, the murine ortholog to human 15-lipoxygenase-1, was detected. These tissue homogenates converted linoleic acid to an equal mixture of 9(S)- and 13(S)-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE). Inhibition of lipoxygenase activity with nordihydroguaiaretic acid blocked HODEs formation, but the COX inhibitor indomethacin did not. Degenerative-nested PCR analyses using primers encoded by highly conserved sequences in lipoxygenases detected 5-lipoxygenase, leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase, platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase, 8-lipoxygenase, and epidermis-type lipoxygenase-3 in mouse intestinal tissue. All of these PCR products represent known lipoxygenase that are not reported to utilize linoleic acid preferentially as substrate and do not metabolize linoleic acid to an equal mixture of 9(S)- and 13(S)-HODE. This somewhat unique profile of linoleate product formation in Min mice intestinal tissue suggests the presence of an uncharacterized and potentially novel lipoxygenase(s) that may play a role in intestinal epithelial cell differentiation and tumor development.